AFCON: Example of African Renaissance of Senegalese Players 

In a world of increasing global instability, Senegal is an example of maintaining democracy amid competing interests. This also reflected in the just concluded match of the African Cup of Nations final match that held yesterday 18 January 2026.  

This is certainly the rebirth of the real African spirit, resilience, and resistance (Renaissance). It was exemplified on the field of play yesterday (resilience/resistance). 

Lessons of Yesterday’s Victory 

1. Senegalese citizens take voting very seriously including sports. In a subregion of  countries with many instances of contested elections, political instability, and  numerous coup d’états, Senegal has peacefully passed power. Certainly, there have been protests, opposition parties and leaders.  
2. Civil discourse is widespread and Senegal has proved to be a consummate site of democracy and citizens are fervent about using the vote to facilitate political change and it also reflected in their determination at the just concluded final of  AFCON. 
3. Unlike many African countries, Senegal is widely regarded as a beacon of democracy in West Africa, with its citizens frequently serving as an epitome of resilience and resistance against political overreach, authoritarianism, and democratic backsliding. This aspect was in display at a critical time yesterday. 
4. What the Senegalese team did wasn’t spontaneous. It was a well-thought-out strategy—and it paid off! They saw what happened to Cameroon. They witnessed it against Nigeria, and I’m sure they’ve agreed they would rather walk away than allow the referee to rob them. Subsequently, after about twenty minutes of chaos, they returned with full determination.

Sadly, despite the attempt at undue favouritism of the officiating of the match, it was a big show of shame just to make Morocco win, but despite all odds against the Senegalese, they triumphed. No doubt a night of unbelievable drama. What a terrible ending to a beautiful tournament. Shameful really! We have a long way to go. 

In conclusion, this is the ultimate example of a team who not only endured severe adversity (resilience) but also actively fought against oppression, injustice, or unfavorable conditions (resistance) As such, somehow, you have to show people that you too can be that radical if they think they can rob you and get away with it. 

Finally, you should never ever allow yourself to be robbed in the name of professionalism, you gain nothing. In sports or anywhere, BURN IT ALL DOWN.  Nigerians have become spineless and are always quick to discourage anyone or group that wants to put up a fight against oppression. Nigerians are okay with being oppressed. 

If not for the Independence movements in the 1950s and 1960s, most Nigerians would have been okay with remaining colonized. 

@richardODUSANYA 

odusanyagold@gmail.com