Opinion: Football match ends 79-0 and 67-0 so what?

It is often said by many that nothing is impossible. But one can still not come to terms with certain revelations or say stories. For instance, while growing up, we were told a fable of how a match between India and a particular country ended 99-0, it was so cool to have laughed it off then even as a child because it sounded really outrageous.

From the past till date, AS Adema 149-0 SO l’Emyrne holds the world record for the highest scoreline in association football, recognised by The Guinness Book of Records, set on 31 October 2002. A Adema of Antananarivo, in Madagascar beat their arch-rivals Stade Olympique de l’Emyrne (SOE) as the result of a pre-determined protest by SOE over refereeing decision that had gone against them during a four-team play-off tournament. The match surpassed the previous record for the highest scoreline of 360 set in 1885. (Wikipedia)

Few years ago, Akwa United trashed Calabar Rover 13-0 while Zamfara United also had a 9-0 victory over Kaduna United. In this Nigeria!

Recently, two Amateur matches in Nigeria produced a total of 146goals involving Plateau United Feeders ''superb'' 79-0 white-wash of Akurba FC and Police Machine FC ''hammering'' of Babayaro FC 67-0. All teams were involved in promotion play-offs in which the winners would qualify to play in Nigeria's loweset professional league (Nigeria Nationwide League Division 3) with the matches going on simultaneously and Plateau and Police Machine were in contention for promotion.

As if football were Basketball!

Well, when the news was brought forward, no one was convinced of the possibility of such a margin. Moreso, the nations Football federation was also quick to condemn the match and described it as a scandal to be investigated for match fixing, while the teams remain suspended.

Stakeholders in the Nigerian football scene have also qualified the match result as criminal and punishable under the law.... If there's any. 

It is quite good to have condemn the outcome of the match but has anyone taken time to ask what gave these teams the guts to have though they would get a way with such a drama? Obviously, they wanted to ride on the underdevelopment of our football management system.

Take for instance how football enthusiasts in Nigeria only get to watch at least one match in a week that is for the topflight football league and we still think we can avoid match-fixing in it's entirety. 

If we are so concerned, where are the video evidences for the matches? Who appoints, pay Referees and decide match venues? These questions are numerous and lingering. As long as the Football federation and league management bodies cannot perform their responsibilities, this criminal practice of match-fixing and other funny acts will not stop.

A huge task lies here far beyond just banning of perpetrators of this dastard act. One can therefore say that Football management and organization is not yet at its best in Nigeria.

What then is the big deal? the outcome of the match or the system enabling such practice? Lets check.