Just as sports enthusiasts were about to heave a sigh of relief, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced another variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19. Omicron. This variant could be a faster killer than the widely acclaimed Covid-19 the WHO noted.

It is no news that the Covid-19 pandemic had almost paralyzed sports while also grounding activities across the globe. What is, however, becoming a renewed cause of concern among the sports fraternity is the future of sports in 2022 and the announcement of the new variant by WHO.

In a conversation with Ethiopia’s Dinkesa Abeba, the fifth-fastest ever over-the-10,000m runner, some few weeks back, he mentioned that due to the pandemic he had not been training, though he is back in good shape. The Obudu Mountain Race Champion had started preparing for a greater career in 2022. Has this dream been shattered with the Omicron covid variant rearing its ugly head?

The rumours about CAF cancelling the Africa Cup of Nations slated for January 2022 in Cameroon were recently dispelled by the African football governing body. Will the raging Omicron variant be an obstacle as Algeria is set to defend the title it won in 2019? Is the surge of the Omicron Covid variant a cause of panic amongst the various soccer and other sports leagues across the globe? Will health experts allay our fears with new vaccines churned out. What is the future of sports in 2022? Does it look bleak?

The soccer legends of all time, have refused to leave our memories. A younger generation of soccer fans has joined the league as they stand in awe with the older generation while marveling at the exploits of these pitch maestros. Today we highlight two top legendary goals in the 70s and 80s. We continue to give honor to whom it is due:

Brazilian’s Carlos Alberto nicknamed O Capitão do Tri. His goal against Italy, in the final, is considered one of the best goals ever scored in the tournament. Many still wonder till today if Abedi Pele was instrumental in scoring the fourth goal in the final.

Hm! the hand of God, Whether it was foul or not, when Tunisian Referee allowed one of the goals regarded as his best, till date, tongues wagged. After beating four players and the goalkeeper before hitting the net, late Diego Maradona’s mastery of the game would not be forgotten in a hurry.

I remember Abe Igi, Madam SWAN’s, Cooperative, Ojez, and the joint located in front of the SWAN secretariat – Paul Ogazi, All the food sellers, Sports Shops with nostalgia.

A few weeks ago, I spoke with a senior colleague asking about all those fun spots. I was informed that it had been demolished.

Oh No! Nevertheless, the National Stadium is still standing tall though.
From reliable sources, I learned that a committee by the Sports Ministry was put in place to map out a way forward for a decaying edifice.

Today we await the revamp of the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos Nigeria. Today we await a sports city that has always struggled to host competitions. The change is still awaited.