VIABLE AGRIC BUSSINESS IDEAS IN NIGERIA

TEN AGRICULTURE BUSINESS IDEAS FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS IN 2017

With the downturn of the country’s much relied on oil and gas sector, many people view agriculture as the way out. The Agriculture sector is now taking a prominent position in Nigeria’s economy; making up to 20.49% of the total GDP in the first quarter of 2016 (National Bureau of Statistics ). 

Since food is one of the basics of man, agricultural products will always be in high demand locally and internationally. As an entrepreneur or young person looking for something to venture into, you can key into one of these agricultural demands. You can potentially create enormous wealth for yourself by setting up an agro-business. The opportunities are endless in the agricultural sector. This article aims to highlight several agriculture business ideas for beginners.

1. POULTRY FARMING: BROILERS
This is for the production of meat. The exciting thing about this particular breed of birds is that it matures within a short period of time. The ideal time to start raising broilers is in February  against the Easter festivities and October for Christmas and new year sales. It is important to note that, broilers can be raised all year round provided you have a ready market for your output. 

For first-timers, it is advisable you go for birds that have been raised for four weeks from a reliable farm or outlet. This is because birds that have been kept for four weeks have a greater chance of survival than the day old chicks. Once you become very familiar with the trade, you may also venture into raising and selling broilers at four weeks.

Most of your spending is expected to go on feeds and it is expected that the birds will be raised for a duration of twelve weeks. Vaccination and prompt treatment are advised to be carried out as at when due. A chicken can be sold between N2000 to N3000 at maturity.

2. POULTRY FARMING: LAYERS
Here you are breeding your layer birds with the major aim of producing eggs. This aspect of poultry might require a little more capital and time when compared to broilers, but it will be worthwhile in the end. Layers will overall give you two sources of revenue, which are sales from the egg and selling the bird off once they become spent(when their egg production has tremendously reduced).

It is important to state that while poultry can fetch you 100% returns on, you can equally lose all your birds in a day(yes it can be that bad!) due to bad management practices. To avoid this ugly occurrence, it is important you employ the services of a vet doctor(or anyone vast in raising birds) to do routine checks on your birds.

3. EGG AND CHICKEN DISTRIBUTION
This practically involves trying to bridge the supply gap existing between poultry farmers and consumers. It is a profitable venture which requires a relatively little start-up cash. You can decide to venture into the sales of either chicken or eggs, and can also decide to combine the two. You will buy from poultry farmers and resell to wholesalers and retailers. No special skill is required, but a good marketing ability and a car might come in handy.

4. FRESH VEGETABLE
This is a small-scale business that can be started with very little capital. One of the benefits of the fresh vegetable business is that it does not require any cost of maintenance for its smooth running(except when you have gone into large scale production and require pumping machine for irrigation). Fresh leafy vegetables are always on demand so the market should not be a problem.

To kick-start this business, all you need is a cultivatable piece of land in your compound or around your area. Leafy vegetables including; Waterleaf, Scent Leaf, and Ugu leaf can be planted. Vegetables are majorly propagated by seed and in the case of water leaf, by the stem. The dry season is the best time to get maximum returns from cultivating vegetables provided you can go through the stress of irrigation that most farmers try to avoid.

5. CATFISH FARMING
Catfish fish rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids which aid in controlling the cholesterol levels in humans. The various health benefit of catfish makes it to be in high demand among healthy eaters, particularly those above the age of forty. Fast food joints, restaurants,  hotels, food courts, pepper soup joints, market women, ministries, offices, public schools and various tertiary institutions of learning are potential markets for anyone who wishes to venture into catfish farming.

Before starting your fish farm, it is advisable that you visit a couple of fish farms around and see things at first hand.

6. CATFISH SMOKING
One of the easiest cottage agricultural businesses you can start is the catfish smoking business.
There are a lot of catfish farmers all around today, so sourcing for fresh catfish to smoke should not be much of a stress. You do not necessarily have to be into catfish farming to make a lot of money by smoking fish. 

Well-processed smoked fish is a great source of income source for those already involved in it. If you have the smoking kiln, you can also smoke on a commercial scale for people and earn cool cash. A kilogram of fish is processed and smoked between N100 – N150 depending on the part of the country.

7. SNAIL FARMING
This is a business often neglected by many. The giant African snail is the  breed of snail that is ideal for farming. The suitable species for snail farming in Nigeria are, Achatina Fulica, Achatina Achatina, and Archachatina Marginata. Achatina Achatina is the more prolific of them all, it can lay up to 200-400 eggs per batch 2-3 times every year.

You can source the snail for your farm by hand picking, open market, and from reliable snails farm. Snail farming can be quite slow initially, but you will reap  the benefit if you are patient.

8. PLANTAIN AND BANANA PLANTATION
There is a high demand for plantain and banana(ripe and unripe) within and outside the country. Any unused land at your disposal can be converted into a banana or plantain farm.

9. STARTING A BLOG ON AGRO NICHE
A great number people are now willing to embrace various agricultural businesses. They, however, need an accurate and reliable source of information to help them get started. To breach this information gap, you can start an Agricultural blog.

For example, you can create a poultry blog to educate poultry farmers and intending poultry farmers on the modern ways to run their poultry farming business. You can generate income from your blog through adverts. You can also become an online consultant. It is expected that you have an extensive knowledge in agriculture before venturing into this type of business.

10. CHARCOAL SUPPLY
Many industries make use of charcoals in large quantities. Charcoal can be bought in large quantities from nearby villages and supplied to smoked fish farms, bakeries and all other industries that use coal as their source of heat. A bag of charcoal can be purchased at N1,000 from these villages and resold for N1,500 or more in the city.

The investment opportunities in agriculture are not limited to just the above list. You will surely find out more with a little research of your own. Your capital is not the only requirement to succeed in the agricultural business. It is extremely important that you study and really understand the aspect you  are aiming to invest in. Ensure that you also seek for help and advice from experts in your field of endeavor from time to time.

Adeniran Adekunle is a member of His-Eminence farms.
For further help and advice, you can contact him via mail on adeniranadekunleo@gmail.com
Or His-eminence farms; hiseminencefarmsng@gmail.com
Or DM @dayqunlay1 on Twitter.

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (22/23-10-2016)

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to win N2million with N100. For this, and all other things, we thank God. Here goes:

NEWCASTLE X IPSWICH:
A bit unusual to start my weekend betting tips with a Championship match. Still, we're gathered here to make money. Newcastle have 7wins in 9 matches; with four wins on the trot. With form like that, any opponent is fucked.
Home win.

CROTONE X NAPOLI:
The home side will be overwhelmed. Away win.

ROMA X PALERMO:
A thrilling 3-3 draw in midweek notwithstanding, Roma are in a rich vein of form. Home win's a banker.

PSV X SPARTA ROTTERDAM:
PSV have a solitary point from their last four Eredivisie matches and lost heavily at Bayern. Still, they'll be too good for the away side here.

INGOLSTADT X DORTMUND:
The home sides form reads; LLLLLL. Dortmund have a mini injury crisis, but they'll add another 'L' here.

WEST HAM X SUNDERLAND:
David Moyes putting in DavidMoyes-y performances? Who saw that coming?! Home win.

ARSENAL vs MIDDLESBROUGH: Boro need to get their shit together and arrest the decline. Unfortunately, playing an in-form Arsenal away is not the ideal start.
Home win.

MUNICH X MONCHENGLADBACH:
After recent downturn in results, Bayern have two consecutive comfortable wins. Gladbach are a decent side at home but have a rotten away form.
Comfortable home win.
.
SPORTING LISBON X TONDELA: Haba. Home win all the way.

REAL MADRID X ATHLETIC BILBAO: An interesting fixture that is always, always entertaining.
Home win and over 2.5goals.

Audacius bet of the weekend: CHELSEA vs MAN UNITED: two sides in transition gradually coming into their own. I still think Chelsea's defence is creaky. For this, I tip a narrow United win.

Remember, these are nought but tips. Espouse, edit and delete as seen fit. Good luck boys.

Captaincue.

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY: BIG SAM'S DEFENESTRATION

In pro football, I imagine representing your country is one of the undoubted highlights of a career, because so long as you're putting on your national colors, someone from a different ethnicity, of a different religion and background, will pine for your success; for one-and-a-half hours at least. This is all imaginary of course, but I believe footballically, something trumps playing for your country: coaching your national team. My imagination isn't wide of the mark according to the words of Sam Allardyce when he was appointed as the manager of the Three Lions:

“As a youngster you start and you dream of playing football, and, when you finally make it, your next dream has to be what is the next level for you. You dream of being a manager, you achieve it and you work your way through the ranks and you look for the ultimate goal. If you strive for the ultimate goal you might never get there but if you keep going and keep being successful ultimately you will. So for me it is a privileged position to now get to the top of the tree, the top of the ladder and this job couldn’t be bigger. No job is bigger than this for me.”

Sam Allardyce, a veteran of English football, has consistently decried the supposed lack of chances afforded coaches of English descent at getting top, top jobs. After years of championing allegations of reverse-xenophobia in England, Allardyce was given the England job after Roy Hodgson's woeful failure at #Euro2016. A man's recurring dream had finally come true - - as he was tasked with taking his country to the 2018 World cup in Russia & beyond.

To the surprise of many, a two-year mandate ended after only 67 days as Allardyce was fired after a sting operation by an English newspaper had brutally exposed him giving advice on how to circumvent some FA laws, mocking his predecessor, speaking unguardedly about England's royalty and generally being crass.

Now, it must be pointed out that money is never enough, but Big Sam was on an annual salary of  £3million and he was already a multimillionaire. Still, being caught on camera in a restaurant, eating like a wolf and looking inebriated while making reckless remarks about your employers isn't exactly the hallmark of a man who just got his dream job. Big Sam fucked this one up and this time, reverse-xenophobia can't be blamed -- only his unwitting crassness cost him.

In 'The Dark Knight', one of the movies by a criminally underrated writer/director in Hollywood, the villain; 'The Joker' said: "..do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I’m a dog chasing cars. I wouldn’t know what to do with one if I caught it..."

Now, to extrapolate a football analogy into real life. You'll probably deserve it when resilience, or excellence, or persistent hard work, or luck (or anything you believe in) presents you with a coveted, lofty opportunity. Big Sam's mistake, our lesson! What happens after your dream comes true? Don't fuck it up.

Just because you've been wanting something for a long, long time doesn't mean you know what to do with it when it drops in your lap. You're not The Joker, you must have a plan to handle prosperity. Are you really ready for progress; with all the increased scrutiny and schadenfreude that comes with it? Big Sam wasn't.

You better be.
Watch yourself.

--CAPTAINCUE (...is a freelance writer taking on gigs for unridiculous money. Send me a direct message on Twitter @Captaincue or send me a mail with your writing needs at kaptaincue@gmail.com)

CUE's BETTING TIPS (20/21_08_2016]

Since we all want to pretend last week didn't happen (I tipped over2.5+Liverpool win, mind you), right this way for this weekend's tips:

BARCELONA X BETIS:
If you're one of those that call 1.10 'one point ten', just return your certificate to your school. With a letter of apology for good measure. That over with, one-point-ten is the odd on a home win here. Not much, but they all count in an accumulator.
Home win.

HOUNDURAS X NIGERIA:
A shambolic showing for Nigeria at Rio could end on a high should they pull off a win here, which I think they will. P.S: This tip has nothing to do with my nationality.
Nigeria victory.

BRAZIL X GERMANY:
The one trophy in International football that eludes Brazil. Against the workmanlike, efficient if unspectacular Germans, I'm calling a comprehensive Brazilian victory.

BURNLEY vs LIVERPOOL:
An easy boost to my accumulator. Away win; and that's a banker.

LEICESTER vs ARSENAL:
They're Arsenal, consistent inconsistency is their hallmark. Wenger's set to recall Ozil, Koscielny and/or Giroud for this blockbuster between last season's first and second. With no Kante in a wonderfully porous midfield, retention of Messrs Mahrez & Vardy coupled with the addition of Nigerian speedster, Musa to Leicester's lineup, this is another high-scoring contest that could go either way.
Over 2.5goals.

BRISTOL CITY vs NEWCASTLE:
Finally, inevitably, Benitez and his acolytes got their acts right and now they're set to steamroller all in their path.
Away win.

CELTA VIGO X LEGANES:
Lega-gini, I hear you say. Exactly.
Home win.

ZWOLLE vs PSV:
Save for a heroic push from Feyenoord, PSV will win the league at a canter.
Away win.

ATLETICO MADRID X ALAVES:
A banker to cap it all off.
Home win.

Good luck people. Have fun.
--->>>Captaincue.

MO' FARAH: A Confirmation Bias

        Thanks to YouTube, I'm inundated with sporting moments I missed due to my age; thus, I know an awful lot about the landmark achievements and remarkable feats of athletes at the five-ring tourney pre-#Athens2004, which, as it happens, is the first Olympic tournament I can vividly recall. Its always fun to watch these retro-footages to get a feel of the ambience, style and politics of yore.

        Being exposed to sporting porn on the internet, one is bound to appreciate the efforts, achievements and legacies of compatriots: Ajunwa, Toriola, Onyali, Ogunkoya et al., and those NOT of Nigerian descent: Isinbayeva, Jesse Owens, Comaneci, The bloody Dream Team, Gebrselassie, Bekele et al. These aforementioned athletes, and more like them, have put in incredible performances over the years, while some (Bolt, Phelps, Murray) are STILL doing great things with their careers at the Olympics. This piece though, is about another contemporary great - Mo' Farah - the British long-distance running legend who just defended his 10,000m title from the London Olympics at its sequel; #Rio2016.

        I'm not going to extol his athletic accomplishments (seriously, wiki him), so I'm just going to discuss the crux of this piece. Minutes into the start of a 10,000m race, where all contestants are crammed into the inner lanes of the track, Mo' tripped over his own foot, fell, rolled on the hard ground, narrowly escaped having his head trampled by an unsuspecting runner, who, thankfully, flew over Mo'. That's hardly worth a 140-character tweet, but I'll tell you what is. And then some. He picked himself up, dusted himself down, licked his wounds (insert any beautiful figure of speech about moving on) and proceeded to win gold in a race that had a horribly calamitous beginning for him.

        One is never tired of hearing grass to grace stories at major sporting events like the Olympics, but you must forgive me for exploring a much simpler and infinitely basic one, the "winners don't quit" narrative. Despite, or rather, in spite of the inauspicious start to a long, long race, he put on the steely determination of a coldblooded, pigheaded, focused lion -- went in for the kill, and made it.

        Extrapolating lessons and values from one field (sport) to a much bigger one (life) might seem rather simplistic, but the inherent similarities are existential. In pursuit of a goal (or gold), you might falter, drift or worse still, fall. But like Mo' did, there's no time to feel sorry for yourself for an unforseen and unfortunate contingency. You keep moving with the singular intent of achieving your goal. Its only proper to end this with the D.H. Lawrence poem that Master-Chief John Urgayle quoted in G.I. Jane:

     "I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself.
      A small bird will drop frozen from a bough
      Without ever having felt sorry for itself."

        It rrrrrings true. When it comes to heroes, I'll always advocate drawing the line between admiration and worship; as no mortal is worthy of being worshipped. Acts though, that single-mindedness, that chutzpah, that middle-finger salute to a difficult challenge; that's an act worthy of emulation. Bravo Mo' Farah; a modern hero.

(Nigeria's football gold in 1996 trumps everything)

---CAPTAINCUE (...is a freelance writer taking on gigs for unridiculous money. Send me a direct message on Twitter @Captaincue or send me a mail with your writing needs at kaptaincue@gmail.com)

Cue's BETTING TIPS (13-14/08/2016)

Hey. I took a sabbatical for reasons explained here, but I'm back for the new season though. Without much ado, here we go:

HULL vs LEICESTER:
The new season has to start with a banker like this one. Jesus is coming back, that's expected. Hull, will be relegated, that's inevitable. A club in shambles -- a depleted squad, terrible administrators, no manager and not a single signing; the perfect recipe for a poor season. No one expects Leicester to repeat a (still) weird feat, but jump on a straightforward Leicester win here.

ARSENAL vs LIVERPOOL:
Beautiful two-footed Cazorla, Xhaka's grit, Lovren's wife, a centreback pairing of Holding and Monreal, Sanogo on the bench, Gegenpressing, rampaging Mane with a price tag to justify, Klopp's grin etc. This has the makings of a high scoring contest.
Over 2.5 goals & Liverpool win.

BOURNEMOUTH vs MAN UNITED:
United faltered under Moyes & LvG because they couldn't dispatch 'small' teams, but I think Mourinho will buck the trend and bully these small teams all season long. Pogba will sit this one out, still, I think United have too much quality for the home side (who have recruited well by the way).
Away win.

MAN CITY vs SUNDERLAND:
Moyes has bought a new defense and will look to remake some tainted reputation, I just don't think the rebuilding will start at the Etihad. New coaches, new players, new systems. All these promise a bucket load of goals in what will be a ridiculously open contest.
Over 2.5 goals

EVERTON vs TOTTENHAM:
A potentially cracking match here, but Koeman is still settling in his new home. Tottenham on the other hand, have kept their nucleus and improved on it. They'll narrowly shade this one thank you very much.
Away win

MARSEILLE vs TOULOUSE:
Toulouse narrowly escaped relegation last season, lost their talisman Wissam Ben Yedder (brilliant name) & replaced him with Ola Toivonen (poor man's Zlatan). One would think it'd be a straightforward win for Marseille, but you'd be wrong. A big side punching below it's weight and unforgiving fans isn't the exact combination for success. Still, with Diarra, Thauvin, Gomis & Cabella, they'll edge a tight one.
Home win.

VITESSE vs ADO Den Haag:
Impressive comfortable wins for both sides last week, but Chelsea Mk II (aka Vitesse) have that bit of superior quality that should see a comfortable home win here.
Home win.

NEWCASTLE vs HUDDERSFIELD:
Having lost their opener, Newcastle have a chance to make good on their status as favorites for the title. With record attendances and adoring fans who've found a new hero in Bemitez, they'll kick start their season with a win here.
Home win.

KRYLA SOVETOV SAMARA vs KRASNODAR:
Foot of the table vs Top of the table. In Smolov (4goals in 2games), Krasnodar have a livewire striker who'll feast on Samara here.
Comprehensive away win.

Right, that's your lot for the weekend. Good luck people.

--->>>Captaincue.

FUCKING ALBATROSSES

I was a teenager with a little rebellious streak which made it nigh impossible to meet up with deadlines for submission of stuff at school. Still, for prosperity's own sake, I've had to tweak my character over the years. In order to make up for the loss of freedom in some phases of my life, I (over)compensate for these concessions in other aspects -- this bibulous blog as a prime example. I dos what I likes.

I used to be okay at academics, you see -- then I wasn't anymore; for reasons I'll detail in my autobiography should I lead a successful life. It was real tough moving on with my life when I had an extra year, I despaired as I never thought such a fate would befall me. My self-esteem was shot to pieces. I surreptitiously engaged in a smorgasbord of self-loathing and misery. I buckled under the overburden pressure of expectations.

Thankfully, by hook & by crook, by doing everything within and without the book, by sheer force of willpower, by providence of the cosmics and by the phantom undertow that propels our lives in the direction it goes, I graduated college after an unusually long time in that bench. When I saw my name on the graduating list, I just dipped my hands in my pockets and looked on in astonished bewilderment. "Is that it?", I remember I though.

I copiously thanked friends and family for the support and slept without a speck of worry on my narrow chest. A terrible weight had been lifted off of my shoulders, momentarily. It wasn't long until it dawned on me that graduating college literally and figuratively meant graduating into another phase; hence, another albatross perched on my ill-equipped shoulders. Still, after the catharsis, I needed time off for convalescence. 11months has done me the world of good, it seems.

In retrospect, I fucking needed that break. To work on my character and shii. I let go of my faux-machismo persona. I stopped feeling sorry for myself whenever someone would remark that "Ah, its like you like this shirt o". No, I don't like that shirt, I just don't have many. (Some people are bastards btw). I've stopped hiding my fingers under the table because I'm a nail biter (sorry). I've started going after thick, yellow, honest-to-God big women that catch my fancy without caring if I get turned down. I took an 11month break from posting pieces without offering an explanation because I felt it was the right thing to do. I needed the break to revitalize my hunger for success, to recharge my batteries, to get my bearing and to set sail on the path I chose. To see its okay to NOT strive to someone's idea of an ideal. To see it's okay to let your inherent personality manifest.

On the soul searching journey that ensued, I realize I had a late start. The wait was especially painful and particularly testing. Now my accounts are still lean as ever, my temperament still requires work, my views are still somewhat peculiar, but, thankfully, finally, I'm gradually coming into my own.

That man in 'House of Cards' said "There are 2 kinds of pain. The sort of pain that makes you strong or the useless pain; pain that is just suffering." I think I know the sort I had to deal with. Progress hasn't been linear gaskiya, and the trajectory hasn't always been upward, but the variables in this equation are being solved.

I'll end this polemic with an aphorism I came up with; that its okay to be less than perfect. What a hard-learnt lesson that was. What an invaluable dogma that is.

--->>>Captaincue.

PREDICTIONS (12/13-09-2015)

Hello all. I'm glad to resume this thing after the international break. This edition will be sharp and precise; almost devoid of any witty banter -- as I am emotionally distraught (girlfriend issues), but I promise this won't cloud my judgement in any way. Here you go:

EVERTON vs CHELSEA:
Three draws, three losses and two wins between these two in the opening eight games. It is an appalling record to say the least. Everyone thought Chelsea's tight victory at WestBrom was a watershed moment but Crystal Palace quickly put 'everyone' out of her misery. A pint of bad blood now exists between these two after the Stone's debacle. This will be an entertaining encounter that could go either way.
Over 2.5goals

MAN UTD vs LIVERPOOL:
Two early wins in the season followed by a limp draw and a demoralizing defeat for United; a carbon copy of Liverpool's form coming into this encounter. Then United signed Martial and gave the press something to masturbate to. I think United will ride on the crest of the Degea contract renewal to a victory. Not to mention their double over Liverpool last season.
Home win.

ATL MADRID vs BARCELONA:
The dynamic with which Atleti now operate is a different one from the defensive Juggernaut they used to be. They're note attack-minded these days. Both sides come into this on the back of uncomfortable consecutive victories. I think all stops will be pulled out in a high-scoring encounter.
Over 2.5goals

ARSENAL vs STOKE:
What was one a fortress (Emirates) has been anything but for Arsenal this season. After an underwhelming transfer window, Arsenal will look to shut some naysayers up. Stoke are no pushovers themselves.
Over 1.5goals

GIJON VS VALENCIA:
Two times I've tipped Valencia to win this young season, two times they've drawn matches. Like Shania Twain sang, I ain't no quitter!
Away win

LEVERKUSEN vs DARMSTADT:
Bayer sauntered to two easy victories before understandably getting beat by Bayern before the break. Against the newbies? Normal services will resume.
Home win.

FROSINONE vs AS ROMA:
I called Roma's victory over Juve and I'll confidently put my money on another Roma victory here. They're that good.
Away win.

JUVENTUS vs CHIEVO:
Fact: Chievo have started the season with a bang; banging in seven goals in two games -- including four unreplied goals against a competent Lazio side. Juve have a point to prove. This one's finely poised for a tonne of goals.
Over 2.5goals

HANNOVER vs DORTMUND:
Dortmund are in fine nick and one has to feel sorry for anyone that faces them at this point in time.
Dortmund win

PALACE vs MAN CITY:
Two form teams (first & second in the league). Just bet on at least three goals being scored, open a cold one and enjoy a cracking match.
Over 2.5goals

INTER vs AC (MILAN)
Due to a disheartening dearth in quality over the last couple of years, this fixture has served up some utter dross devoid of any quality. Change dolè
Over 3.5goals. (Lol. Seriously!!)

ESPANYOL vs REAL MADRID:
I no even research this one.
Away win please.

Good luck boys. And girls!

PREDICTIONS (29/30-08-2015)

So we nailed a miserly 50% of last week's predictions; a decidedly sharp decline from the 87.5% of the upper week. We are gathered here today to right those wrongs. Here goes:

NEWCASTLE vs ARSENAL:
Lunchtime kickoff at St James' Park between two sides who've been punching below their weight this season. These two sides fired blanks in their last league games and there couldn't possibly be a repeat here. Arsenal will look to make up for all those points they've dropped and Newcastle have to prove the impressive midweek win in the Cup wasn't a fluke. This one could swing either way.
Over 1.5

MAN CITY vs WATFORD:
City were a little tentative in the victory at Goodison park, but they will pull out all the stops at home to Watford; who aren't bad by any means, but hey, this is Man City. I think Sterling will get off the mark in this fixture.
Home win & Over 2.5

FENERBACHE vs ANTALYASPOR:
Fener's inconsistent results aren't exactly a shock as they've undergone a major squad reshuffle. Still, I think the league will be a fight between them and Besiktas. That said, Antalyaspor have won their last two games 3-2 and 3-1. They're evidently capable of dishing them out and packing them in. This should be fun.
Over 1.5

CHELSEA vs PALACE:
A nail biting end to a 3-2 victory at West Brom sets them up nicely for a potentially cracking game between two sides that score and concede freely. I think this will end in a Chelsea victory with both teams finding the back of the net.
Home win & Over 2.5

BARCA vs MALAGA:
A well drilled defensive team head for a baptism of fire at the Camp Nou. With Neymar back in the team, this could get Messi (pun intended) for Malaga.
Home win and Over 2.5

REAL MADRID vs REAL BETIS:
I know Real Madrid's season will ultimately end in crushing disappointment but I fully expect that lot to have an okay start to the season. They'll win this one; in spite of their coach.
Home win.

SEVILLA vs ATLETICO MADRID:
Sevilla ineffably started the season with a goalless draw -- something nigh on unthinkable as they're usually one of the most entertaining sides in Europe. Atletico earned a narrow victory last week, but its too early in the season to be negative. So I see an attacking game that'll produce a couple of goals at least.
Over 1.5

VALENCIA vs DEPORTIVO:
The midweek Champions League qualifier against Monaco distracted Valencia last weekend as the laboured to a miserable draw away at Rayo. Now that Champions league football has been secured for the season, they will start performing in La Liga.
Home win.

DORTMUND vs HERTHA BERLIN:
Jurggen kini? The home side are playing some swashbuckling football right now and any opponent must be pitied. Another Mikhitaryan inspired victory on the cards here.
Home win.

KUBAN vs CSKA MOSCOW:
CSKA's form reads: WWWWW from their last five league matches. For my accumulator's sake, I'll doublechance 'em.
X2

ACADEMICA vs SPORTIN LISBON:
In Teo Gutierrez and Islam Slimani, Sportin have an efficient, if unspectacular front line to fire them to victory at an Academica side that lost 0-4 to Setubal last week.
Away win.

CARPI vs INTERNAZIONALE: A newly promoted side that lost 2-5 to an average Sampdoria side will have their work cut out against (my) outsider tip for the crown. Its only a matter of how many Inter will score. AWAY WIN

For the audacious tip of the weekend (with 'big odd'), look no further than:
HERACLES vs TWENTE:
It has gone under the radar a bit, but Heracles are in outstanding form; scoring nine goals in their last two games and conceding once. With a Twente side in rotten form (6conceded in two games), I'll bet on a win for the home side.
Home win

HYPOCRISY (part1): IT COMES AROUND

Though politics isn't really my forte, it has firmly caught my fancy (take note Tekno) and I am currently learning the ropes. Soccer, on the other hand, is what I know an awful lot about. Apart from the actual footballing on the pitch, I derive immense pleasure from seeing young players surmount challenges to fulfill potential. Also I have a fetish for listening to football commentary and watching managers' press conferences. This is where the, mostly subliminal but sometimes direct scathing messages are sent to rivals -- this is where the battle begins. Football is a whole different ball game (pun intended) where the finances involved in the game is taken into account. Its a chimerical eldorado that is far removed from everyday happenings of those of us living in an alternate world.

Thankfully, if unfortunately, football shares some common traits with our world -- one of which is hypocrisy of major proportions. I wrote in the first prediction of the EPL season that Chelsea's defense needed revamping and my friend Mr Jose Mourinho listened to me. He's since made a couple of unsuccessful bids for Everton's John Stones. Everton and their gaffer (Roberto Martinez) refused those offers on the premise that they wanna keep the young defender. What caught my attention is Martinez's innuendo filled retort after a third bid was made:
     "...sometimes money can't buy everything and that is going to be a very strong statement at Everton"

An admirable position no doubt, but Martinez's stance has been one of self-absorption; a man trying to be a hero, to defy the system, to challenge the authoritarian arrogance of the elite. I think this rebellion just reeks of hypocrisy. In a series of statements that are part funny and part bewildering, he has decried that bigger sides with bigger resources and better chances of success swoop in and pick off the talents at lesser clubs -- while beautifully ignoring the fact that Mr Stones left little Barnsley and their modest resources/goals for a 'big' club i.e Everton.

This shii is a bloody cycle and while standing up to the system is applaudable, insinuating that the system wants to fuck you sideways is hypocrisy -- considering the fact that you (Everton) did the same to a smaller club (Barnsley). The little fish gets eaten by the big fish before an even bigger fish eats the 'big' fish. Shit goes around, but bear in mind that shit also comes around.

That is how the system works. That is why the system works.

--->>>Captaincue (I think he'll go to Chelsea before the window closes)

PREDICTIONS (22/23-08-2015)

Last week's report card: 87.5% success. We steady getting closer to that hallowed 100% mark. Hope this meets you people in rude health. Here goes:

MAN UNITED vs NEWCASTLE:
An underwhelming start to the season from the Magpies; having drawn one and lost one. They've made shiny, beautiful new signings that I'm sure will come good -- but they have an appalling record against this particular opposition. United (man) did most of their business earlier in the summer and I think this fact is lost on their disappointed fans after missing out on Pedro. That boy Depay will fire them to victory here.
Home win.

LEICESTER vs TOTTENHAM:
I was as surprised as the next person when Tottenham contrived to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory against Stoke -- I fully expected them to lose the game. What a shame. That said, Spurs seem to be getting out of their early season funk and playing a Leicester side who've had a blistering start, this game will produce a couple of goals. At least.
Over 1.5

PALACE vs VILLA:
See what I did with the headline?! Palace came through for me last week and I quite fancy a fame like this to give me two goals.
Over 1.5

HELLAS vs AS ROMA:
Roma have had a quietly decent summer. Keeping their best players and adding Salah and Dzeko to their ranks? Wow. They'll win this at a canter.
Away win.

LAZIO vs BOLOGNA:
The Roman side have a competitive headstart (CL qualifiers); so one would expect them o be head and shoulders ahead of their newly promoted opponents in terms of fitness and fluidity. When momentum collided with inertia, inertia will be hurt pretty bad.
Home win.

HANNOVER vs LEVERKUSEN:
Beautiful stadium? Check.
Big local fan base? Check.
Beautiful jerseys? Check.
Beautiful blind Aryan players? Check.
Leverkusen are the archetypal hipster club. Its a good thing they can play the game too.  A tight win last week will be followed by a convincing one this.
Away win.

ATL. MADRID vs LAS PALMAS:
Las-kinni? I hear you say. Atletico weren't by any means poor last season but they didn't reach the heady heights of their La Liga winning season of 2013. Call me crazy (don't), but I tip 'em to take the league from a complacent Barca side. It begins here.
Home win.

RAYO vs VALENCIA:
A comprehensive win over Monaco in the CL qualifier in midweek sets Valencia up nicely for this one. They now have their own sugar daddy and that money will see them have a big season.
Away win.

WEST BROM vs CHELSEA:
Already 5points behind City (I called it!), they're due a big performance to save them from an embarrassing start to the season. Chelsea will win this one. By hook or by crook.
Chelsea victory. By crook.

INGOLSTADT vs DORTMUND:
LOL.

INTERNAZIONALE vs ATALANTA:
Inter have done excellent business in the transfer market. They're due a big season. It begins with a comfortable win here.
Home win.

EVERTON vs MAN CITY:
My favourite EPL player (Aguero) is in mesmerizing form as displayed in the victory against Chelsea (I called it too!). With everyone bang in form, this City will take some stopping. Lukaku and Barkley will make it interesting, but City will come out victorious. I reckon we'll see lots of goals (City to win 4-2).Anyway...
Over 3.5goals.

GIJOÑ vs REAL MADRID:
I reckon things will go spectacularly wrong for Real this season -- like finishing third. I'll even bet Benitez won't be there at the end of the season -- but they'll start the season with a bang.
Away win.

ARSENAL vs LIVERPOOL:
This one pretty much writes itself.
Over 2.5 goals (all day long).

There's your lot. Good luck boys.
--->>>Captaincue

PREDICTIONS (15/16-08-2015)

Report card from last week's tips: 70% success rate. Not bad, but definitely not 'it'. Again, we mount these betting horses and attempt to run them into the ground. Here we go:

LEVERKUSEN vs HOFFENHEIM:
Hoffenheim have sold their one truly remarkable player to Liverpool and I think they'll struggle this season. Bayer had an excellent campaign last season and I'll bet big on them picking up where they left off.
Comprehensive home win.

VfL WOLFSBURG vs FRANKFURT:
Wolfsburg's best player, Kevin de Bruyne's future is uncertain. Apart from him though, they've done a fine job of keeping their core. I'd bet on a home win here, but its the opening weekend of the Bundesliga season. What would it cost to err on the side of caution ba? Exactly
1X

CRYSTAL PALACE vs ARSENAL:
Palace's fine campaign last season was fuelled mostly by confidence. This time around, they're not just high on confidence but high on quality as well. Cabaye??!! Wow.
I foresee a (2-1 win) for either side. Either ways, we'll get three goals.
Over 2.5

GUINGAMP vs LYON:
Lyon should win an award for their inconsistencies. I'm guessing they spoiled many a tipster's accumulator after last week's disappointing opening day draw with Lorient. A poor Guingamp side IS the perfect opportunity to start getting it right.
Lyon victory

MAN CITY vs CHELSEA:
One of my banker's last weekend was Chelsea conceding, and boy did they! There seems to be a general consensus that Chelsea can't be 5points behind City after two games; that Mourinho will find a way to NOT lose this game at the Etihad. Me? I'll be having a laugh.
Home win please!!

LIVERPOOL vs BOURNEMOUTH:
I know this is a Monday game, but you might wanna add this to your accumulator. The new boys will be overwhelmed.
Liverpool win.

DORTMUND vs GLADBACH:
Two sides who always, always give no quota. This match will be like football porn to the hipsters.
Over 2.5 goals

For the audacious tip of the weekend, look no further than the match at the WhiteHartLane:
TOTTENHAM vs STOKE CITY:
Stoke have brought in some slick attacking players but have failed to replace their midfield lynchpin: Steven Nzonzi. Both teams suffered one-nil losses on the opening weekend but this Spurs side, dare I say, is low on quality. The odds on offer for a Stoke win is above four points. Jump on it.
Stoke win.

Remember, these are only tips. Edit, espouse and delete as you wish.
May the odds forever be in our favour.

--->>>Captaincue

PREDICTIONS (08-09/08/2015)

A  77day recess that seemed like an eternity, has, like every holiday, come to an exciting end. Hands up if you're not excited by the return of the #EPL and the European footballing season. Just you? Now gerrarahia, you joyless prude. An awful lot has gone down behind the scenes -- your life, mine, players', managers' and everyone. I'm fairly certain not everyone that read my last betting tip in May is alive. For keeping us, and all other blessings, we unabashedly give God the glory.
To essence, I'm gonna start with a caveat: you may wish to know that betting/gambling is generally seen as immoral around these uber-religious shores, but gambling is a bloody multibillion dollar industry and I'm not about to sit on my hands and do nothing. That said, why not add value to the reader by writing tips that'll be at once entertaining, enlightening and educative? Exactly! So, be prepared to see tips that contain unconventional stuff like poems and stories. 'Nuff said, here you go:

MAN UNITED vs TOTTENHAM:
United have bought fantastically well in the market, but that's what was said last season too. They've brought in excellent midfielders, an exciting rightback and MD7. I'm a United fan myself and in no way am I blinded by bias when I say there's no way United are losing to Spurs. The jury is still out on all the teams this season and one can't make absolute calls just yet. So I'll doublechance the home team here.
1x

CHELSEA vs SWANSEA:
Chelsea put in some laboured performances in preseason and in the Community shield. Their riposte being that we'll see a firing Chelsea team when competitive football begins this weekend. Chelsea are the finest exponent of the art of throwing bodies in the ways of shots -- but that defense needs some serious refreshing -- thus, the interest in Stones. They won't keep a clean sheet. In games like this, I would bet on both teams finding the back of the net, but that's complicating stuff.
Over 1.5

NEWCASTLE vs SOUTHAMPTON:
"If an archer shoots just for fun, he has all his skill
If he shoots for score, his hands tremble and his breath is uneasy
If he shoots for a golden price, he becomes mad and blind
His skill was not lessened, but the vision of the target changed him."
                -->> Chinese proverb.

Two summers ago, Southampton sold a raft of key players and were generally expected to have a poor season last year. They didn't. I think they did well because no one expected big things from them and the pressure was off. It'd be intriguing to see how they cope when the pressure of matching last season's achievement is on them. I like the Chinese.
Over 1.5goals.

ARSENAL vs WEST HAM:
The boy Sanchez will sit this one out but I don't think he'll be missed. WestHam missed out on an Europa league place on Thursday by resting lots of key players -- a bad decision I think will bite their shiny new coach in the rear. Has he not heard of 'momentum'? I wonder.
Home win AND over 2.5goals.

STOKE vs LIVERPOOL:
Despite the glaring absence of a certain Steven Gerrard, Liverpool now seem to have a bigger (better? Dare I say) squad. On paper. Of course. After a 6-1 defeat at the Brittania in the last match of last season, Liverpool will be happy to leave with a point this time around. Goals abound.
Over 2.5 of them.

OGC NICE vs MONACO:
Gone are the superstars at the club from the principality. All that's left is a delicious blend of highly talented youngsters and experience. I can't resist a smoothie.
X2

PRESTON vs MIDDLESBROUGH:
Newly promoted Preston play host to a Boro side high on ambition and confidence after a surprise romantic reunion with Stewart Downing and building a good squad. I think Boro will be this season's Bournemouth. It begins here:
X2

NORWICH vs CRYSTAL PALACE;
BOURNEMOUTH vs ASTON VILLA:
I think these ones will be score-draws. So I'll just bet on both games to produce more than a lone goal -- just because its too early in the season to be wholly negative.
Over1.5

WEST BROM vs MAN CITY:
City (with Sterling) will look to have a blistering start to the season and West Brom are a solid if unspectacular side who'll give City a run for their money. Still, quality will shine through.
City to win 2-1.

Gentlemen, there's your lot for the weekend. Edit, espouse and delete as appropriate. Its good to be back.

Yours in tipster-y,
-->>Captaincue

OF OPINIONS: THE ASHLEY YOUNG EXAMPLE

Football has, since (Korea/Japan)2002, been a huge part of my life as it provides me ample amusement, endless entertainment and no little amount of interesting happenstances that are potential analogies for my writings. Also, I'm a tipster -- make of that what you will. For 13years, I've watched thousands of minutes of realtime football and hours of clips from football of yore. With the background provided above and those in my previous missives, you'd forgive my frequent referencing of footballing guff for stuff that's analogous to my writings. Football is what I know and as the Bavarians say; mia san mia. Indeed, we are. To essence, I am passionate about my opinions and my opinion is that Ashley Young of Man United is a pisspoor footballer. Don't try to convince me, I'm a reticent bastard.

My biggest fear at the beginning of my writing career was getting negative reviews for works. For a long while, I penned stuff and kept them in my room until my brother snooped around and read one of my short stories. He wasn't satisfied with the quality of writing, but he was pained about a character killed. Till today, he wants me to bring the dead character from the dead. A couple of months later, I started a blog and in my first post, I said I wasn't even the smartest person in my clique but I was gonna start publishing thoughts/writings anyways. It wasn't because I was/am a self-centered egomaniac, or that I was less afraid of getting negative reviews -- trust me, nothing gladdens me heart like wholly positive acclaim for me work -- I just chose to focus on the fact people actually formed opinions about my work.

As ever, I'll extrapolate a footballing analogy to provide some perspective. So, the victim/analogy today is my personal take on Ashley Young, a man that plays for the team I support and who I think very little of. He is a winger and far as I'm concerned, wingers should be creative, stylish, electric, skillful and eccentric. Mr Young has none of these traits. Instead, he receives the ball with an awkward control, turns to face his own half, holds the ball for far too long, invites pressure on himself, before inadvertently passing the ball backwards to his defender. When forced to attack, all Mr Young does is cut the ball onto his right foot and hook a high ball into the opposition area which the goalkeeper plucks out of the air 90times out of 100.

Such is my disregard for Mr Young's footballing (dis)abilities that I once blamed him for United's defeat before someone pointed out that he wasn't even in the match day squad. Lol. I'd rather see a younger player take his place and shank  crosses out for throw-ins. Now, when I see Mr Young curl the ball into the goalkeepers arms, I'm not even disappointed anymore. I don't even complain -- just because I don't expect anything footbalically good from the man. However, when someone I think is more technically gifted and has more inherent talent shanks a cross into the goalkeeper's arms, I get angry. I complain. Because I believe that person can do better.

That is how I see work and criticism. That is the perspective I think young people like me should have. Personally, I'm yet to choose a career, but when I do, I never want to be the Ashley Young of that profession -- whence people evaluate my work with varying levels of cursory disinterest. I want my work to provoke some sort of reaction. I want someone to say "this bastard is good" or some people to say they're terribly disappointed by my work. I never want to drift into that cesspit of mediocrity where people won't even be disappointed when I goof. I never want to be that writer that puts cross after cross into the goalkeeper's arms and the fans won't even be disappointed because they don't expect anything better from me. Rave reviews are greatest. Negative reviews will sting your ego, but if it has any merit, you'll be better for it. Negative reviews of extreme sort probably tells more about the reviewer than the reviewee.

More than anything though, If people think you're punching below your weight, take it as a compliment. Aspire to be more than you are. Be more than Ashley Young. Never become Ashley Young.

(...outside of the pitch, Mr Young is a terrific human being)

---CAPTAINCUE (...is a freelance writer taking on gigs for unridiculous money. Send me a direct message on Twitter @Captaincue or send me a mail with your writing needs at kaptaincue@gmail.com)

WHAT IS 'GOOD'!

Hello. At this rate, I might have to make this guy an admin on my blog. He has been prolific to say the least. Including this post, he now has three posts on MY blog; and the trio have been thought-provoking. Big ups to the Engineer.  For a recap of his previous missives, click here and there. For today's post, here you go:

"I don’t have a day job (that should not necessarily be translated as me being jobless). That probably explains why I spend every waking minute, and some sleeping minutes of my life thinking about random topics. Just the other day, I had a dream in which I was thinking about stuff that made me cry. I woke up and the tears just wouldn’t stop. So, I THINK I brood in my sleep too.


Now, having a lot of spare time in the day only partially explains why I think a lot because there are millions of jobless people everywhere who still never sit down to think about anything. The real reason will be that I am just Homo sapien personified. I like to fix every piece of any [figurative] jigsaw. Discrepancies between two recounts of the same event keep me awake all night. When timelines cross, I am always busy thinking. Mostly I am not looking for the lie alone; I am looking for the “why”. Why things happen… Again, I deviate.

In June, I had to embark on the same 8hours road trip four times in four days - coincidentally,  I am typing this in transit of the ilk. Not driving afforded me enough time to do what I do best: sleep think. The driver of the commercial vehicle on one of such journeys had an mp3 transmitter that kept doling out Naija “hip-hop” songs, mostly Olamide’s. I loved that. Then a point came when the music genre changed to Fuji. My music taste only excludes songs by Lady Gaga, so I had no problem with that. I even sang along in my mind. Then a co-passenger made a comment that means “where have you been hiding good music all this while?”  Now I had a problem with that statement. Who told him what good music is supposed to be? Who?!

As general as pretty and ugly can be – because I believe everybody agrees on who is pretty. It is the ugly ones that are up for debate – people still come up with a consolation sentences like “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” [“and the angle you are beholding from” as my lovely ever-recurrent ex girlfriend will put it]. If that applies to beauty (I believe if your beauty depends on who is looking, you are just not pretty – come sit with me), then music is an even more appropriate topic to apply that.

Ultimately, music is entertainment. Different people find different things entertaining. When a musician sings, he/she does so with the hope that someone somewhere finds it entertaining.  If you do, it means that you can relate to whatever message the song is sending; it doesn’t mean that people who don’t like it are doing anything wrong. A Yoruba adage translated to English will mean ”a mad person is fun to watch, not fun to birth”. I am not in cahoots with that. I don’t find mad people fun to watch one bit. But then, I don’t begrudge those who find madness funny their fun. I also have weird ways of catching fun too (like watching people die in SAN ANDREAS* - a classic comedy IMO).


Music has very broad genres. Even within the same genre, styles differ. I know Dare Art Alade, for instance, knows basic music. I know he knows the quavers, clefs, notes, scales and other music jargon, but I am not sorry that I don’t find what he sings as entertaining as Terry G’s. Lil Wayne just talks, I hear none of the Igbo Phyno spits, Baddo and Reminisce are razz, but their songs attend to my issues every day. Of course I listen to every other kind of song depending on my mood and what is obtainable. But then, I will not be caught dead singing Timi [Dakolo] or Simi’s praise. And don’t even get me started on Praiz. That don’t mean I’ll go about calling guys who love slow female songs (whatever they call that genre) fags - what I think of course is in my mind.

In essence, when BET or Grammy declares that someone won an award, the person won THAT award. After all, there is no standard as to what songs should be like. So whatever the organizers decide holds. Now if the Headies decide that Sean Tizzle had more votes than Burna Boy, the “elites” should welcome the idea instead of boring us with how the process is flawed. It’s not like it is not these razz music we [the local ones] and the elite alike groove to in the club.
It is not impossible that I will feel differently about the paragraph before this after right now. But the message today is that: what is music to you is crap to someone else, and quite rightly too. Live with that or kee yourself."
                     --->>>El-Jay ( @laycawn)

*I find it funny that with the number of people (who also have families) that lost their lives, the movie only focuses on a family's survival. Viewers are tricked into only really pitying that family, like the other lives are expendable.

BORING BOREDOM

There are many ways to spend free time – like staring at a wall, watching paint dry, write nonsense/something like this, start a blog, contemplate starting a blog, think about why people contemplate starting blogs, read about why people ever contemplate anything…or any other thing that doesn’t involve electrical power and cellular network (especially if you are in Africa) – which makes the alarming rate at which people complain of boredom sadly astounding. Thirty minutes without their (smart) phones makes youths (and dare I say some adults) of nowadays uneasy.

At this point, I have to make two things clear:
What I am going to end up writing about isn’t what I had in mind when I wrote the first sentence
Errr…I have forgotten what my second point is supposed to be. Moving on…
Smart phones, through the help of social media, are gradually grinding real life human interactions to a halt. I was on an ATM queue the other day – one of the many places where a serial flirt like me picks up targets, by creating weird EYE contacts – and everyone was busy on their phones, to my dismay. Some were smiling, some scowling, a few giggles. Then there was this particular dude who was typing at “breakfinger” speed; something I only do when the other party is trying to breakup with me – Yes, I broke up with the same ex several times-. Now I have to find even more sociopathic and creative ways to pick up targets.

Another increasing trend is the rate at which people text and drive. Ehen, now I remember what my second numbered point is supposed to be: I am in no way “innocent” of any of these vices.
So I sat under a tree close to a major road, observing the flow of traffic (another thing to do with your free time) some days ago and I discovered (not astonishingly) that every other young driver was doing something with their phones alongside driving. And the ones that were my ilk, (with a female ‘copilot’), had their passengers on their [passengers] phones too. Personally, I find long journeys boring if all I have to do is drive. So, I spice it up by dancing, chatting, or making videos. But in my defense, my co-commuters are usually focused on the road whenever I am not. And again, I believe local transit requires more concentration… I digress, not for the first time.

Ignore my verbiage. Verbose, they mostly are. The gist is, social media is eating deep into real social life. Our phones are taking over our lives. It is not uncommon to see people sending friend requests to dead people. That shows how shallow these friendships really are. Now we meet people online or by stealing their phone numbers off mutual friends’ phones (actually, that’s how I met my ex who I like to think I dated for five years!), BBM pins and what have you. We start casually. Initial niceties, mostly veneer. Then it gets religious; staying up so late it becomes early morning. Then a point comes when we run out of things to talk about, even the perverted ones.  The subsequent drifting apart is such an anticlimax, but it is not unexpected. I mean, there is only a few ways to rephrase questions that mean “what is your favorite sex position?”

There is a finite amount of topics you can chat about without seeing each other, not to talk of having mutual friends. And mutual friends are what keep relationship conversations going, IMO. Without them, what/who do/will we discuss? And all that while, there is a brother/sister somewhere, physically available, who we keep rolling with, only until the next exciting online prospect comes around. Sadly.
I don’t expect this piece to change anyone’s attitude towards their phones or the like. Verily, I don’t even expect many people to read this article. I’m just a guy who knows a guy who owns a blog. Hence, my pedantic rant. I am not even necessarily going to change how I use social media, as a result, so there is absolutely zero reason why you should.
Pizzout!

L.J

OPPORTUNITY COST

I had no illusions about my academic abilities. Or disabilities, if you will. I was a below average student in senior secondary. All the theoretical guff posed a semi-serious challenge to me; the challenge of assimilation and application of such knowledge to practical, everyday life. I didn't rightly understand the destructive distillation of coal. Or the vulcanization of rubber. Or the memorization of those phylums.
On the other hand, I liked the geography and technical drawing classes because their lessons were immediately tangible. Most of all, I really enjoyed the economics classes as those lessons immediately ensued in the real world. The concept of demand & supply, the concept of scale of preference, the concept of forgone alternatives -- I liked stuff like that. Though, I feel now, as I felt then, that the concept of hustling and making money ought to be one of the clear, main tenets of O'level economics -- but that's a topic for another day.

One of those economics lessons proved invaluable these past weeks. Amongst a shitload of competing demands (and limited time), I had to arrange competing priorities in order of their relative importance. My B.Sc special project that had stalled and threatened to derail the hustle was given undivided attention. Thankfully, I completed the work last week and got it signed. And approved. In a couple of months, I'll be able to sign off college and actually do something with my life. I am mighty relieved, gaskiya!

For the aficionados of this platform (if there are any), I'm sure you people must've been wondering where I went. E ma binu. I would have informed you of the recess earlier, but I prefer to talk about my bets after they come in (a bad trait I'm looking to cut out). Apologies.

I'm glad to see that birds are still sounding like birds and rats are still sounding like rats. (Yorùbá people will understand that line). Normal services have resumed from hereupon.
I thank you for your indulgence.

--->>>Captaincue (Ramadan Kareem)

GETTING MAD: The Social Media Way

I dropped my phone some time ago and the screen, while still intact, started deflecting commands. I would touch the Instagram icon at the bottom of the home screen and the phone would open the BBM app at the top Northwestern corner of my screen. I scrounged around for money and got told I'd have to wait some 48hours to get my screen replaced & the phone repaired. Those hours were particularly dreadful and I asked myself what the hell we did before these phones and these applications. Rid of my phone, it was as though my life had come to a standstill -- as I knew it.

Social media is aptly defined as: "..forms of media that allow users to interact with and publish to each other, generally by means of the internet"

By virtue of huge technological advancement some time in the 21st century, innovations have been made that have since served as alternate means of communication/dissemination of information/publishing/conduction of business AND interaction. As such, a substantial part of our daily lives are influenced (controlled) by happenings on these media, regardless of one's level of Luddism. I don't suppose office memos are as popular as they once was. These days, workers will get mails online. Broadcasts are sent online. Events are promoted (mostly) online. Announcements are made online & debates are made online. There are 83.3 million Internet users in Nigeria according to the NCC.

As with most things, there are facets to our social media. The human part of it all. The emotional part, specifically the 'anger' aspect of social media. Here are the ways of getting mad on these media:

1. STAY IGNORANT:
Don't read up on stuff, don't even bother to stay informed. Just follow click-baiting links with unverified news sources (and stories with no quotes) and believe every line. Then feel sick to your stomach, and recruit people to join in your sickedness by tweeting/facebooking the link. Just stay out of the know.

2. ISOLATION OF POINTS
Is there something you can be enraged about? Find it. Highlight it. Take it out of context and tweet, preferably with 'big, big grammar'

3. SELECTIVE MUTISM
As assorted as this sounds, it is not a medical condition. It is a way of unlooking pertinent stuff that could disprove your angst-filled narrative
OR
It could also mean you have a particular stance on an issue but can't voice it because you're afraid of victimization.

4. BEING CULTURED AND STUFF
To maintain your social media profile of an "educated person full of conviviality", when someone destructively critiques your work/view/stance & insults your person to boot, just laugh it off (LOL) and give a civil response -- ending the retort with; "..well, its only your opinion and we agree to disagree".
Deep down, in private, you're simmering and you know you want to decapitate a motherfucker.

5. FIND a social media personality you use as a barometer of correctitude AT ALL TIMES and align yourself with that fellow's train of thoughts. Because, em, well, because that fellow comes across as an educated & reasonable person, so that when your opinion and that of that fellow differs, you shut yours down, keep mum & echo the sentiments of that fellow.
Because, um, well....because you're uneducated yourself...

6. RECOGNITION OF THE TRUTH
In fairness to point5, some people are freakishly conversant with everything. Do not appreciate that.

7. GIVE IN TO POPULISM
Espouse the essence of the tweet/post with the most clicks/shares/retweets/favs...
Because, well, because its the popular opinion. Be afraid of examining a trend because you don't want to acknowledge that the popular opinion might be the wrong opinion. Listen to that girl that says on Nairaland that she can't cook for her boyfriend because she's not yet his wife. Take such advice and remain blind to the fact that she wrote that post while sweating in the aforementioned boyfriend's kitchen -- waiting for the yam to boil so she can pound...

8. BE MISERABLE... and without perspective. As a boy ba? Tell yourself you must make a move on a new girl that comes into your room JUST because you read on Twitter that 'bad, sharp guys' score all the time. Do not consider it in your calculations that even the greatest one of us, Mr Barney Stinson, didn't score all the time.

9. HAVE very little going for you in the real world (outside of social media). Make these apps your only source of entertainment and amusement and happiness. Just download porn, and fail to have real time sex. Or make lots of money on a virtual gaming platform and have zero account balance in real time. Have a reputation for being a player in a 2go room while you can't speak to women in the real world.

10. COMPARISON
View Instagram photos of a secondary school mate eating Lobsters and drinking Chardonnay in an expensive restaurant somewhere in America, try to load the next photo and get a text that your 10mb daily data plan has finished. Then put down your phone, add some more groundnut into the cup in front of you and cry into your cup of Garri.
Be hard on yourself because you don't look like the girl in the magazine and fail to see that even the girl in the magazine doesn't look like the girl in the magazine.

11. The last, and by some distance, the best way of getting mad on social media; LET THE WORLD DEFINE EVERYTHING FOR YOU.
Just because another half-naked Rihanna picture is captioned by GQ as "Rihanna looking STYLISH as she poses braless in a sheer gown for a photoshoot with..." doesn't mean its 'stylish'.
Ask yourself, is this stylish?
I'm sure you get the drift.

(11.5) Give irrational credence to every post you find on the internet. Like this one.

If at this point in this post, you're thinking of changing your social media ways by virtue of my admonishments in this post (without further scrutiny), we have both wasted each other's time.

--->>>Captaincue (Thank God for social media. How else would I post this...!)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (23/24-05-2015)

Melancholy is the overriding emotion as I pen this post; the last one I'll post in the European season. Gambling (wisely) is always fun and I've had fun writing these tips while this season has lasted. I know its not my place, but if I may offer you a piece of advice to ponder until August when the European footballing season will resume, it is this: The best bet you'll ever make in life is the one you take on yourself. Believe.

That said, I nailed 17 of the 20 tips I wrote last week. 85% looks okay on paper, but its still not IT. Still, here you go:

JUVENTUS vs NAPOLI:
Juve came through for me last week, and I'll make that same prediction here. This is one of those games.
Over 1.5goals

BAYERN MUNICH vs MAINZ:
Bayern were deservedly beaten last time out and I honestly can't say I did not see it coming. I just went against my instinct and failed to control my greed. Won't be betting on a win in this one.
Over 1.5goals

COLOGNE vs WOLFSBURG:
With the German cup final on the horizon, Wolfsburg will want to keep their momentum by playing their best in this 'warmup' game. I see nought but an away win

ARSENAL vs WEST BROM:
Arsenal have drawn 3 of their last five games, scoring once (own goal). Its safe to say their attackers are tired, but with the FA Cup game in mind, they'll have to get into goalscoring form. Against a side that beat Chelsea 3-0 last time out? Goals abound.
Over 2.5goals.

DORTMUND vs BREMEN:
Last league game at home for Jurggen Klopp and it'll be an emotional something. He'll want his last league game to be one of swashbuckling attacking football and these games usually produce more than one goal.
Over 1.5goals

MAN CITY vs SOUTHAMPTON:
City scored four last week. Southampton scored six. I would predict a lot of goals but I hear tell these two might field some of their reserves. That will hamper the fluidity of the game. So:
Over 2.5goals

MARSEILLE vs BASTIA:
Bastia will ply their trade in Ligue 1 next season after last week's draw. Marseille are back in form though.
Home win.

STOKE CITY vs LIVERPOOL:
If this game wasn't in my accumulator, I'd stake big on a Liverpool win. As it is though, I'll err on the side of caution and play over 1.5goals.

PSG vs REIMS:
Lol.

ALMERIA vs VALENCIA:
Almeria are not safe yet. Valencia could yet nick the last Champions league place. This will be a ridiculously open game.
Over 1.5goals.

HULL CITY vs MAN UNITED:
United are a curious team aren't they? You never know what you might get from them. Still, looking at the track record of their season-closing games, they are usually high scoring encounters. Especially when their opponents are in danger of being relegated. I remember that 4:2 win that sent Blackpool to the Championship and I think this will be a result like that.
Over 2.5

BARCELONA vs DEPORTIVO:
Straight win for the home team because they're Barca. Deportivo's perilous standing notwithstanding.

GRANADA vs ATL. MADRID:
One way or another, I'll get my two goals.
Over 1.5

GENOA vs INTERNAZIONALE:
Inter win? I doubt it. More than a lone goal? I'll bet on it.
Over 1.5 goals.

That's your lot for the season. It has been a pleasure.
P.S: I still blog regularly at this address o. Its only the 'weekend betting tip' section of my blog that will take a recess until August.
Thank you

Yours in tipster-y;
Captaincue

WITHOUT A SILVER SPOON

SUMMARY

WITHOUT A SILVER SPOON is a 1981 short novel by Eddie Iroh that tells the tale of a 10year old boy; Ure Chokwe and his struggle to further his education in the face of unseemly (mostly financial) vicissitudes.

PLOT
Ure Chokwe, whose brother inadvertently had to drop out of school to work as an apprentice in a faraway location due to financial constraints, faces similar fate when he's chased out of his classroom for failure to pay his fees.

Brilliant and industrious boy that he was, he intimated an idea to his parents about how his fees would be taken care of if he stayed with a teacher and worked as a houseboy.

Things went on smoothly until he was hit with a double barreled accusation of thievery. The book narrates how he juggled his academic pursuits with his honest streak, high expectations and life's many challenges.

MY VERDICT
WITHOUT A SILVER SPOON was one of the books we read in Junior secondary and the book caught my eyes when I saw it at the State library a week ago. Unfortunately, I have, for a long time, had a not so brief dalliance with an abject lack of finance and one would imagine the author had, at some point in his life, experienced these things first hand. The book is uber-realistic on this front. Kudos.

The main theme of the book is that 'honesty is the best policy'. Of course it is. Unless, of course, you're especially good at lying and mixing things up a bit in order to achieve your goals. But this is a book for preteens and teenagers and we wouldn't want to corrupt that lot would we? Honesty is the best policy kids!

I found aspects of the book really funny; particularly the part where the protagonist, Ure Chokwe intimated to his dad that he wanted to work as a servant in order to pay his tuition.

 
"Ure?"

"Sir?"

"Do you want to kill me before my time...?"

Lol. Typical!

In little more than a hundred pages, Mr Eddie Iroh expertly discussed unscrupulous elements (Erugo Iyama), dogged determination, resolute and unyielding challenges, ideals parents want their kids to live up to, people running the rule over other people, the curious dichotomy of good and evil, triumph of good over evil and the sweet, sweet taste of eventual victory for the hustler. I like this book.

This is to hoping our kids are born with silver spoons and all manner of assorted cutlery.

MY RATING
On a scale of very good to fucking abject, this is an enjoyable read.

 (poverty wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for lack of finance)

---CAPTAINCUE (...is a freelance writer taking on gigs for unridiculous money. Send me a direct message on Twitter @Captaincue or send me a mail with your writing needs at kaptaincue@gmail.com)

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (16-17/05/2015)

Hi all. Its another hot weekend over here. Last time out, 10 of the 15 tips I made came through, which works out at a paltry 66.7% success rate. Close, but no cigar. The European footballing season is winding up to a close and we all hope to make one last significant sum off of those bastards. Good luck this weekend.

INTERNAZIONALE vs JUVENTUS:
Wow. You can't see me but I'm slowly hand clapping. Juve were gallant against a rampant Madrid side in midweek. They absolutely ran their socks off and with the Serie A title already in the bag, Mr Allegri will rotate heavily against an Inter side just starting to find some form.
Over 1.5

LEVERKUSEN vs HOFFENHEIM:
A humbling 3-0 defeat in 'Gladbach last week has brought 'em back to ground. Still, I think they'll have too much quality for their visitors.
1X

AS MONACO vs METZ:
An unlucky loss to an unpredictable Marseille outfit at the Velodrome last week. They'll make a mess of Metz (I couldn't help it)
Monaco win

LILLE vs MARSEILLE:
A potentially tricky call for a tipster. Both teams are still in with a chance of making European competitions next season. They (both) might decide to shut up shop and nick a winner on the counter a-la Mourinho. But I don't think that will be the case. I see an open game
Over 2.5

MONTPELLIER vs PSG:
We all know who's gonna win this one, the only thing up for debate is by how many goals!
Away win

FREIBURG vs BAYERN:
The futile victory over Barcelona somewhat overshadowed one of the more beautiful you'll ever see (Lewandoski's). Look at that footwork. Not enough quality to beat Barca, but their quality will suffice in beating Freiburg. I think.
Away win

GETAFE vs EIBAR:
Both teams are in terrible form, losing their last five matches respectively. If the odds were on offer, I'd bet on something like this:
Both teams to lose.

BURNLEY vs STOKE:
That's it then? Burnley have been relegated. It was fun while it lasted. They nicked a consolatory victory at Hull last week but I think Stoke will be too big a task for them.
X2

SEVILLA vs ALMERIA:
Over 1.5 goals. Sure banker. All season long.

TOTTENHAM vs HULL:
Drop points at WHL and Hull will be relegated. They have no option than to attack. This will be an open game; with both teams having lots to prove.
Over 1.5

LIVERPOOL vs PALACE:
Palace put the final nail in the coffin of Liverpool's title bid last season. Both teams have nothing to prove here and will likely go for each other's jugular. A special mention must go to a special player who will play his last home game for Liverpool. I hated how he smeared the camera at Old Trafford when he equalized in THAT game, but that doesn't smear his legacy at Liverpool. Tremendous player. All hail Stevie G.
Over 1.5

DORDRECHT vs AJAX:
Last weekend, Ajax players came out of the dressing room with their mothers to commemorate Mother's day. Such has never happened on Father's day. Is there even a father's day? The world is unfair.
Ajax win.

ATL. MADRID vs BARCELONA:
Would you bet against this Barcelona side on their current form? I didn't think so.
Away win.

ANDERLECHT vs ST. LIEGE:
Fierce competition between these two Belgian giants. The easiest over 1.5goals you'll ever see.

AS ROMA vs UDINESE:
A disappointing end to a season that promised so much at the start. The capital side won't lose this.
1X

SWANSEA vs MAN CITY:
Two sides in good form. I'll err on the side of caution and go for over 1.5goals.

MAN UNITED vs ARSENAL:
Its high time both sides served us a classic game with lots of goals.
Over 2.5goals.

WOLFSBURG vs DORTMUND:
Another goal fest.
Over 2.5

ESPANYOL vs REAL MADRID:
Ancelloti doesn't rotate his squad nearly enough and Madrid are tired. This one might swing either way and I see another end of season goal fest.
Over 2.5

WERDER BREMEN vs GLADBACH:
the surprise package of the Bundesliga season. No one is defeating them this season.
X2

That, dear friends, is that. Best wishes.
--->>>Captaincue

WEEKEND BETTING TIPS (09-10/05/2015)

A fortnight ago, it was 66.7%. A week ago (week ago! *defenestrates cap & does the shmoney dance*), it was 69.2%. Not quite there, but baby steps ba? Thanks for your patronage. This weekend, we're gonna hope for better luck. Here goes:

EVERTON vs SUNDERLAND:
Everton got beat by Aston Villa last time out. They'll want to get back to winning ways ASAP. Sunderland are deep in relegation quagmire and they're not gonna make it out by sitting back to defend. Will be an enthralling contest.
Over 1.5

ASTON VILLA vs WEST HAM:
Mr Lerner swapped Mr Lambert for Mr Sherwood; what an inspired decision that has turned out to be. Delph is buckling swashes, Benteke is scoring and (even) Cleverley is looking all kinds of decent. Who would've thunk! Villa will look to put some daylight between themselves and the bottom three. Here's a good place to start.
1X

HULL CITY (TIGERS) vs BURNLEY:
Hull City. The paragon of inconsistency. Victory over Liverpool followed by a limp defeat to Arsenal. That said, Burnley have lost their last four games. That is terrible. Both teams are in this precarious situation because they don't know shit about defending. Goals? You bet.
Over 1.5

PARMA vs NAPOLI:
One has to feel for Parma. They're on the brink of bankruptcy and have lost their last two games by an eye-watering eight goal margin. Napoli will stuff them.
Away win

FC ZURICH vs FC BASEL:
Basel are a reliable team. They won't lose, mark my words.
2X

LEVANTE vs ATLETICO MADRID:
Atleti will be foaming at the mouth after being robbed of victory at Bilbao. A lethargic performance in last week's 0-3 defeat to David Moyes has undone all the recent good work of Levante. I'm gonna bet against you should you lose to Mr Moyes.
An ugly away win.

BARCELONA vs REAL SOCEIDAD:
Speaking of David Moyes, the man is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. You remember he engineered a 1-0 in the return leg earlier in the season? I do. That notwithstanding, Barca are absolutely imperious right now.
Home win.

CELTA VIGO vs SEVILLA FC:
The last three games involving Sevilla have yielded 11goals. And we know Celta aren't exactly goal shy. Makes this call a no-brainer really.
Over 1.5

MARSEILLE vs MONACO:
Read 'Celta vs Sevilla' above.
Over 1.5

ZENIT St PETERSBURG vs ROSTOV:
Lol. You must be wondering why I include the Swiss and Russian leagues. Well, the English championship and Dutch Eredivisie are done. A tipster has to improvise.
Really, Zenit never lose. They just draw most of their matches. The trend won't stop now.
1X

REAL MADRID vs VALENCIA:
Ignoring Madrid's defeat to the Old Lady in midweek, their form in the league reads something like WWWWWW... I trust Madrid to rise up to the occasion. And I'll back that assertion up with a bet.
Home win.

LAZIO vs INTERNAZIONALE:
Lazio haven't been their usual  all-conquering selves in recent weeks and Inter could still finish in Europa league places by winning games like these.
Over 1.5

CHELSEA vs LIVERPOOL:
I wrote an article on Chelsea's triumph. They're plucky bastards, but I think this will be an open match with both teams having nothing to lose. One of these sides(Liverpool) have a lot to gain. They'll attack, attack and attack. Chelsea will counter. Goals will be scored.
Over 2.5

GLADBACH vs LEVERKUSEN:
Over 1.5 goals thank you very much.

MAN CITY vs QPR:
QPR could yet stay in the league, which is why they'll go all out in this fixture. Plus, City would want to finish a tough season with a flourish.
Over 2.5 goals.

That's your lot for the weekend. Best of luck boys.

Yours in tipster-y:
Captaincue

TRIBUTE TO CHELSEA

With the European football season drifting to an excitant end, there are numerous narratives from which one can choose to write a blog post from. At the lower end of league tables, clubs are fighting to stave off relegation and stay in the league. The nondescript mid table clubs are trying not to join the relegation mire and the overachieving mid table clubs are trying to break the stranglehold the 'top,top' teams have on the upper end of the table. As usual, most of the titles in the major leagues gave been decided (Germany, Holland...), save for France and Spain. As the most viewed league in the world, the EPL has a winner too. CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB.

They won this at a canter and with some three matches to spare. In the spirit of true sportsmanship, one must congratulate the winner -- then plot how to depose the champions and mount a serious challenge the following season. As a Man United supporter, I've reconciled myself with the fact that things aren't gonna be rosy for a while following Sir Alex's retirement. On social media, where everything goes on these days, the overriding emotion that greeted Chelsea's triumph was one of indignation.

What better way to recognize a good writer than to write about the zeitgeist. So, I'm gonna write a 6-pronged article about it. Here goes:

FACT: 

Chelsea F.C are 2014/2015 champions of the top division in English football.

AFTER THE FACT: 

Chelsea were top of the table since week2. That brought an air of inevitability to their eventual triumph. I think that leached away the excitement for most English club-football fans. No final day histrionics. No last minute 'Aguerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrro' moment. No nothing. Just a ridiculously ruthless side bypassing a non-existent and pitiable challenge by supposed rivals coasting to victory.

Chelsea are quite an excellent side, one just has to look at the array of talents in their ranks. Two world class goalkeepers, an excellent defence -- and Ivanovic; a central midfield pairing of Matic and Fabregas, the belligerent person & ruthless goalscoring talent of the bellicose Diego Costa. And the imperious Eden Hazard. All these are managed by a controversial contrarian, who, when viewed objectively, is an excellent coach -- just look at his track record.

PERCEPTION: 

There is a widely accepted notion that Chelsea play the game we all love largely defensively & set up to play on the counter; which is a footballing term that defines a seemingly dour and unadventurous style of play that favours strict & unyielding defensive solidity rather than an expansive, attacking & swashbuckling modus operandi. 

DETRACTORS:

Detractors have their reasons for nay saying. Always! I think their gripe stems from the fact that Chelsea were not this big until they were bankrolled by a certain Russian oligarch whose wealth has transformed Chelsea FC to a footballing juggernaut in the past decade and a half.

Also, fingers ave been pointed at Chelsea not playing football the 'right' way. The right way we've been told to death, is the pass, run into space, receive the return pass and form asymmetrical triangles until there are holes to explore in your opponents defense.  They say Chelsea often favour neutralizing their opponents at the detriment of showcasing their inherent attacking skills (which is not false).

UNEMOTIONAL OPINION:

In club football, the ultimate aim is victory. You become victors by winning football matches. To win a football match, you have to put the ball in the net of your opposition and prevent them from doing the same to your own goal. There are 20clubs in the EPL -- which incites every team play 19games at home and 19away; 38games a season. The team that has the most points at the end of the season is crowned champion. This much is a given.

Over the course of a 10month season, some factors will come into play. Injury to playing staff, incorrect refereeing decisions, player motivation levels, purple patches, dry patches, loss of form and a lot of other tangible/intangible variables. These variables affect your point tally directly/indirectly. However, two things you don't get additional points for are aesthetics and style.
Chelsea have been pilloried for a lack of style. Admittedly, a sane football fan is wont to marvel at the magnificence of beautifully-worked team goals. Jack Wilshere at Norwich AND Alan Smith against AS Roma at Old Trafford spring to mind. These are goals scored at the back end of beautiful interplay between several players. They are beautiful goals, but only 'just' goals nonetheless. No matter the number of passes building up to a goal, its still just one goal in the end. It counts for the same as a scrappy one that emanates from a goalmouth scramble or a heavily deflected strike or a set-piece strike. Or one scored from a Rory Delap throw-in. A goal is a goal. Now, some sides score these beauties more regularly than others (Barcelona). Some sides like to think they score these beauties all the time (Arsenal) while some score them on occasion (Chelsea).

Chelsea have been known to 'park the bus' -- which is an euphemism for sitting back and focusing all energies on not losing-- while hoping to capitalize on an inevitable mistake from your ball hogging opponents. Some people are offended by this style of play. They think Mr Mourinho's (and Chelsea's) style of football is particularly odious. When all is said and done though, winning is most of what matters. Intangible stuff like style and 'how' are secondary. As i posited during a bar-room argument on indecision, not making a decision, is, frankly, a decision. Chelsea's alleged lack of style IS a style. And it works. That's why they're champions.

Attacking is (the glamorous) part of football -- but defending is just as important. A great combination of the two makes quite an enjoyable team to watch (Juventus post-calciopoli). Attacking with reckless abandon while neglecting the defending aspect will get you relegated a-la Blackpool 2010/2011. Defending your goal for 90minutes will see you gain 38points in a league season AND probably get relegated. Goals win matches.
So a dexterous combination of attacking and defending will see you triumph. If your attacking/defending ratio is a 50/50 that balances on the defending side (a-la Chelsea), then, good grief. It works too!

MORAL OF THE STORY:
As ever, one must extrapolate the lessons to real life. Would I, Captaincue, say no to a generous sponsor (sugar mummy) who comes into my life on completion of my degree programme and offers to pay for my tuition at Harvard, decline such offer in favour of 'working for it'? You see, we all get a stroke of luck sometimes. There will always be those that think we're unworthy of such luck. Dare we, out of the outpouring of disdain for our sudden elevation, stop, apologize and give back that which has been magnanimously offered us? To have peoples validations over how we nobly 'hustle for it'? I'd rather think not.

There will always be those that oppose your way of doing things.They'll think your pragmatism is joyless and unenjoyable. They'll tell you the 'IDEAL' way to do it. They'll tell you you've achieved YOUR aim devoid of flair and panache. They'll sneer when you walk by. They'll sing 'boring,boring Chelsea' when you achieve your goal -- just because you didn't put on a spectacle. They'll say you should have been more grandiose (considering the assets at your disposal). More fun. More spontaneous. They'll even posit that history wont be kind to you because you didn't do it the 'right' way.

My mindset, which i hope more Nigerians have, is that, in achieving your set goals, you're gonna have to take some tough and unpopular decisions (defend like mad Chelsea); which will offend the sensibilities of Gooners purists. Purists who will point out that you wouldn't have done it if there had been more credible opponents. Well, my Uncle would be my Aunt if he had a vagina. But he doesn't, and things couldn't possibly be otherwise.

While you're basking in adulations and congratulations, they will paradoxically ask why all the furore and celebrations; "IS IT BECAUSE THEY ARE CHAMPIONS".
Just listen to the rhetoric.

--->>>Captaincue (I don't like Chelsea)