Notice how whenever there’s a global event in sports, like the Olympics or the World Cup, people come together to cheer on their teams, watch their favorite games, and fawn at the country’s players during the opening and closing ceremonies. Even people who don’t watch sports, somehow are constantly in tune with these events! It’s a beautiful sensation. Like music, sports unite us.

Look at the excitement and enthusiasm etched on the faces of proud fans across the world. Even if they can’t make it to the stadium, the stadium will make it to them. I remember years ago in Nigeria, seeing little gatherings on multiple street corners, with chairs and oftentimes beers and a television perfectly angled not merely for the people in those spaces to watch, but anyone else who passes by. The awesome thing about this is it wasn’t an infrequent thing, it was every single game night. Fun fact: in (almost) every Nigerian household, you will find at least one football fan.

I think I was barely six years old when I decided my team was Chelsea FC and stuck with it ever since. I don’t remember much of what brought about this ‘pick your team’ thing as it was ages ago, but I’m certain my dad had something to do with it as he remains the biggest football fan I know! I wasn’t always consistent in watching the Chelsea games but when the big games like Chelsea vs. Manchester United were playing, best believe my consciousness was fueled for that. Whenever Nigeria was playing, whether it be the African Cup of Nations or the World Cup, we all understood that for the 90 minutes(+) time slot, no other channel or tv show existed. Similar feelings arose with the Olympics, particularly track and field, gymnastics, and swimming - all eyes on the screen!

On a bigger scale: imagine if without the presence of a global event, we redirect our focus from what divides us, to what unites us. I know I make these broad statements every now and then but I don’t want it to seem farfetched at all. Any change you want to see reflected on the outside has to come from the inside. It can start with us: me, you, and anyone else who finds this article by happenstance or if it was sent to them. There’s this quote that may perhaps seem trite to some of you, but I nonetheless believe it to be true: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” It literally can be through your personality, your words, your actions, and your attitude towards other people. If we choose to pursue division and chaos, we cannot be surprised at what would be unleashed as a result of that. However, if we choose to bask in unity, find more solutions, work together and underscore that which we share rather than creating conflict, I’m convinced that we would be well pleased with the outcome.