Script: Cornelius Ehimiaghe and Akinboye ‘Sunkanmi Cover Design and Art: Akinboye ‘Sunkanmi Colors: Waliu Edu and Raphael Kazeem

Project Manager: Cornelius Ehimiaghe. Project Adviser: Ojeikere Aikhoje. NIGERIAN GOLDEN LEGENDS

This graphic novel is an attempt to tell the story of the performance of Team athletes at the in 1996, while bearing in mind the socio-political situation that existed in Nigeria at that point in time.

The 40-page graphic novel is written by Cornelius Ehimiaghe and Akinboye Sunkanmi who is a UNIBEN graduate and one of the leading graphic novel illustrators in West Africa. This graphic novel is published by Community Sport and Educational Development (CSED), as part of achieving their goal of using sports to promote a book reading culture among Nigerian children and youths.

The current generation of Nigerians have not witnessed their athletes climbing the podium to collect an Olympic gold medal. This graphic novel would take readers back to the decade when Chioma Ajunwa and eighteen Nigerian footballers won the hearts and minds of millions of television viewers all over the world, by their grass to grace performance. This graphic novel is going to be a good read for children, teenagers and their parents, who participated in the nationwide celebration to mark the historic achievement of the Nigerian golden legends.

You have heard the tales and you have watched the video clips. But you must read the graphic novel that brings the story and images of these historic events back to life, in a new form. This is a must read graphic novel of the year. Somewhere in , Nigeria.

I heard AY won another award for that movie; 30 Days in Atlanta. He deserves It. He's the best NIGERIAN entertainer to have performed in the USA.

Ta! It's like you've never heard of Shade Adu. Shade Adu is in the past. The best is PSquare.

When I remember, I remember Atlanta '96, aye aye water run commot my eye o!

What do you children know about the best Nigerian entertainers in USA? How many of you know about the Atlanta 1996 summer Olympics, hmm? 20 years ago, before we had the internet, mobile phones and ATM machines in this country, Nigeria was under a military dictatorship and you could count the friends of Nigeria with the fingers of your hands.

GeneralGeneral SaniSani AbachaAbacha

The political situation was volatile.

The cost of basic foodstuff increased by the day...

LIE DOWN!! YOU BLOODY CIVILIAN!!!

OGA SOLDIER, Wetin I DO? The economic situation was terrible and it made the cost of living so high, having three square meals was difficult for the average Nigerian family.

However, 1996 was a Leap Year, which meant it was the year when the Olympic Games are held. This meeting of the global family provides the youths of the world the opportunity to test their strength and endurance against each other.

The City of Atlanta in the State of Georgia, USA was the host city of this event, which was the 26th series in the Olympic Games.

Team Nigeria was made up of 65 athletes who had qualified to take part in nine events (athletics, badminton, boxing, football, judo, table-tennis, tennis, weightlifting and wrestling).

Since Nigeria's first participation in these Games in 1952, our athletes have not been able to win a gold medal. Team Nigeria athletes of 1996 were not expected to be different from their predecessors. The Nigerian football team alongside Ghana and Tunisia qualified to represent Africa in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. In their last home friendly match against Togo, Nigeria lost woefully and the football fans booed the players off the field.

The next morning, the newspapers and electronic media had criticised the performance of the Nigerian players.

This was not helped when it later emerged that there was in-fighting between the players and coaching staff of the Nigerian team.

It was even suggested that the team should be disbanded in order to save the country from further embarrassment. Na wa for these boys o. The match vex me no be small!

Dem suppose comot dat yeye coach wey dem get. The man no sabi football at all, at all! See as small Togo thrash us! chai!

NTA Sports

I must say that was a really disappointing match yesterday.

I agree, Femi. The Togolese had us on the back-foot from the start of the match. I don't understand what happened to our team.

our players played as if they were playing together for the first time. I tell you, I'm not looking forward to this team's matches at the upcoming Olympic games.

It appears we will have to depend on our track and field events if we are expecting anything noteworthy from these olympic games. Two days later, in Aso Rock Villa, ). My boss is in a meeting with the Head of State at What have the moment. You mean that I done Sir? you are one of the lackeys of the West, who is hell-bent on sabotaging the government of our great leader?

Good evening Sir, the Chief Security Officer invited me to a meeting. I am the Director of Athletes’ Performance in the Ministry of Youths and Sports.

Is your Ministry not responsible for the Nigerian national football team? Did you not watch the football nightmare of a match against Togo? That was just a friendly match, Sir. I am also responsible for the good preparation of the other athletes who are going to represent Nigeria in the forthcoming Olympic Games. The Games is about participation and friendship.

Friendship my foot! You call yourself a Sports administrator and you do not know anything about the politics of sports! Do you not know that Nigeria doing well in football will boost the psyche of Nigerians.

More importantly it will divert their attention, and make them forget about protesting against the current regime?

But sir, if we do not do well in football, we could do well in the eight other sports events. Football is the king of sports!!! The other sports are jara. Get this straight! any repeat of the Togo incident in Atlanta '96, would leave me and my boss with no other option than to sack you and ban Nigeria from taking part in international football for the next two years! I will also make sure you and the players do not return to Nigeria ever again!!!

But… but...

Shut up! I don't want to see your face again. Now get out of my office!!!

Phew! That was like facing a raging volcano.

NFA Board Members had to hold an emergency meeting in order to prevent a poor performance by the Nigerian football team at the Olympic Games. Summer Olympics Atlanta 1996 Opening Ceremony.

Muhammed Ali lit the Olympic flame. PresidentPresident BillBill Clinton,Clinton, USAUSA

Billy Payne, Chairman ACOG JoseJose AntonioAntonio Samaranch,Samaranch, IOCIOC PresidentPresident

When the different events started, there was no hiding place for the faint-hearted. the wheat were gradually separated from the chaff. I heard that NTA is broadcasting some of the events of the Olympic Games.

Back home in Nigeria, watching the unfolding events of Atlanta '96 on their TV sets was a welcome diversion from the reality of hunger and mass unemployment in the land. Nigerians watched as their athletes were eliminated in different events.

NTA Sports It appears Nigeria still doesn't stand a chance OF winning any medals in this Olympic event.

What of the FOOTBALL team? Do you think they might surprise us?

“I doubt it, the Nigerian football team struggled to win their group matches against Hungary and Japan. Unsurprisingly they lost their last group match against Brazil.”

Still, FOOTBALL Mexico is tough really is about but for the sake of winning and so far, argument, let's say we Nigeria has managed beat them too. Then who to scrape through do we face again? Brazil. with goal difference This brings us back to face Mexico. to square one.

That is one match I doubt we will survive. After another unconvincing two-nil victory against Mexico, Nigeria qualified to play against Brazil in the semi-final match.

In the Brazilian squad they have the likes of , , Ronaldo, and juninho. Brazil will be looking to destroy us and it's just a case of how many goals the Brazilian team is going to score. Kickoff.

Two minutes into the match, Coceicao’s powerful free kick gave the Brazilians the lead. Nigeria levelled the match, 18 minutes Roberto Carlos after Roberto Carlos mis-kicked a shot O.G. 20th min. by Nigeria’s into the Brazilian own net.

It appeared the Brazilians were determined to make Nigeria pay.

Bebeto 28th min.

And Conceicao put the Brazilians 3-1 ahead before half time.

Conceicao 38th min. Brazilian fans were handing out party flyers by half-time. avoid a scandalous Come to the defeat or go party after the down fighting. match to celebrate beating the so called African giants.

Even when it appeared providence finally smiled on Nigeria.

WHUMPWHUMP

It was a false hope.

TAKTAK My God! I have let my country down. Mogbe!

What’s WHAT A wrong with CALAMITY! Okocha na?

The Nigerian team forged ahead, unrelenting and undeterred.

Their efforts paid off and in the 77th minute, reduced the deficit with a blistering shot.

GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!

GOAL! GOAL! Hope was rekindled.

“All“All wewe areare saying,saying, “ADEUS“ADEUS AMIGOS”AMIGOS” givegive usus oneone goal.”goal.”

90th90th minute.minute. The Nigerians had played beautifully but in a few I can't seconds, it would all be over. watch again. It's over

No, wait. The boys are playing well. Anything can STILL happen. The last throw of the dice...

Unbelievably, the ball drifted in a goalmouth scramble.

Kanu Nwankwo pounced!

He scores!!!

Unbelievable! The Nigerians did not give up, and they refused to be beaten! GOAL!GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!GOAL! GOAL!GOAL!

GOAL!GOAL! GOAL!GOAL! GOAL!GOAL! Kanu's goal took the match into extra-time.

For the first time since the beginning of the match, the Nigerian players dominated the game with their crisp passing of the ball.

Less than four minutes into extra-time, Kanu Nwankwo pounced on a loose ball near the 18-yard of the Brazilians.

Despite the attention of three Brazilian defenders, he blasted the ball past a badly positioned Dida.

WHAMWHAM The scoreline: Nigeria 4, Brazil 3. Nigeria qualified for the final of the football event of the Olympic Games.

There was wild jubilation by Nigerians in the streets.

The Brazilians were in shock, their hope of winning their first ever Olympic Games football gold medal had just been dashed by the ‘never say die’ Nigerians.

Their captain, Bebeto was in tears. The next day. Chioma, you do not seem to be your lively self, today?

I feel as if the world is on my shoulders. Last night, I dreamt that on my sixth and final jump, I made a good jump for a bronze medal position But it was a false jump.

Relax Chioma, it was just a dream. All would be fine tomorrow.

Remember Chioma, our strategy is for you to put pressure on your opponents by doing a big first jump.

I will, coach and thank you for your re-assurance. The following day, Chioma Ajunwa started her quest for a medal. God, this is in your hands.

CHUFFCHUFF Tu waraya mama, Chioma's first jump was Si ya n'omela. Eze Jesus, tu waraya an incredible 7.12 metres, mama, si ya which was an African and n'omela. Commonwealth record!

The other jumpers could not outjump Chioma. She became Nigeria’s first Olympic Gold Medalist.

Chioma started praising God in her mother tongue.

Congratulations!

thank you.

The surprised Olympic Games officials subjected Chioma to additional drug tests. But these tests turned out to be negative. Nigerians and millions of football fans all over the world eagerly waited for the final match and Brazil was looking for redemption through their fellow South Americans; .

Don't cry for me Argentina, beat the Nigerians for us.

Argentina vs Nigeria NIGERIA COACH Pre-match press conference BONFRERE JO

ARGENTINA COACH

We are highly confident about the Argentina, outcome of this final if you do match and we have nothing anyhow, you to fear from an go see accidental finalist. wahala.

Later that day. Beat the Argentines tomorrow and you will become legends not only in Nigeria, but the entire African continent.

The Head of State and the good people of Nigeria, send you warm greeting. I hope things are going on well with all of you, boys?

I wish to remind you that though opponents may differ, in brotherhood, you must stand. You did not beat Brazil in order to lose to Argentina. Sir, thank So, I was told you for your visit that you guys have and goodwill message. requested for eba and I assure you that we soup for your lunch this will do our best afternoon. It would be tomorrow. delivered by staff of the Nigerian Embassy after you have had your shower.

I have missed Me na two eating eba o. This wrap I go chop o! one go be the mother Make dem add pepper of all lunch, before soup too. I don tire the big battle. to dey eat Olympics Village, food.

“Which“Which kindkind soupsoup mamamama cookcook o!o! OgbonnoOgbonno soupsoup e!e! SoupSoup e!e! OgbonnoOgbonno soupsoup e!”e!” The fairy tale The Nigerian football team of Nigeria's qualification on their way to the final for the final of the football event of the Olympic Games match against Argentina. has captured the imagination of millions of football fans all over the world.

But they face a formidable Argentine team today. “Papa“Papa nono deydey o!o! MamaMama nono deydey o!o! Could these Nigerians win the gold or could IfIf youyou wantwant toto killkill me,me, killkill meme II die.die. it be the end of II willwill nevernever followfollow youyou toto thatthat Station.”Station.” the road?

Welcome to the final football match After referee Collina blew his whistle for of the 1996 Olympic Games, the kick-off of the match, the Argentines between Argentina and Nigeria. quickly dominated the proceedings.

Just three minutes into the match, Argentina took the lead with a header by Lopez. Tak

In the 28th minute, Babayaro slammed home a bullet header to even the score-line.

The Argentine's quickly discovered the Nigerians were not pushovers And the crowd was treated to more after all. Between Jay Jay Okocha's acrobatic Nigerian celebration. dazzling dribbling skills… ...And the seemingly immovable Nigerian defence, Argentina got desperate and resorted to underhand means.

Somehow, they won themselves a dubious penalty call against Nigeria.

Ortega, wayo! Referee! wayo!! wayo!!! are You blind?

Na lie!!! Argentina was quick to capitalise, drawing ahead to a 2 – 1 scoreline.

Chai. That wasn't my fault o.

Don't worry about it. We are not going to lose this match.

The Nigerian team redoubled their efforts.

Daniel the Bull Amokachi took matters into his hands and in the 71st minute, he sent home a blazing shot.

whak The match was looking like it would go down to penalty shoot-out, until Emmanuel Amuneke was fouled near the 18-yard box.

It's looking like a repeat performance by the Nigerian team is imminent. This team is really strong. We shouldn't risk a goalmouth scramble this close to the end of the match. The Nigerian supporters club were again singing for divine intervention.

I agree. It might be best to try an offside trap.

“God“God bebe withwith you,you, comethcometh thethe hour,hour, comethcometh thethe man”man”

90th minute. The Argentines abandoned the Nigerians in the 18-yard box, whudwhud trying to pull off an offside trap!

It was a mistake that was punished by Emmanuel Amuneke who volleyed the ball into the net.

goal!

goal! goal! goal! goal!

The Argentine players were protesting Nigeria's third goal. when they realised their offside trap had backfired.

But it was to no avail. The referee maintained his decision. It was a goal for Nigeria. Pree When the final whistle was blown, the Preee scores remained Nigeria 3, Argentina 2. Preeeee Nigeria was the champion of the football Preeeee event of the Atlanta Olympic Games!

The whole country celebrated for days!

The Nigerian players celebrated with their American supporters who had stayed true throughout the tournament. Men’sMen’s FFootballootball GoldGold MedalistsMedalists

Garba Lawal Teslim Fatusi Joseph Dosu Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha Daniel ‘The Bull’ Amokachi

Taribo West Victor Ikpeba Emmanuel Wilson Oruma Ammuneke Tijani Babangida Uche Okechukwu Emmanuel Babayaro

Kingsley Obiekwu

Celestine Babayaro Abiodun Obafemi

Mobi Oparaku

Aso Rock, Sir, you My hearty Abuja, Nigeria. have a phone congratulations call from Nelson to you, General. Mandela, sir. Your footballers have done africa proud today. There were even more Nigerian medalists at the Summer Olympics that year.

MarMaryy Onyali.Onyali. 200200 metres.metres. BronzeBronze MedalMedal

FFalilatalilat Ogunkoya.Ogunkoya. 400400 metres.metres. BronzeBronze MedalMedal

FFalilatalilat OgunkoyaOgunkoya BisiBisi AfolabiAfolabi FFatimaatima YYusufuusufu CharityCharity OparaOpara DuncanDuncan Dokiwari.Dokiwari. Women'sWomen's 4X4004X400 metres.metres. BoxingBoxing SilverSilver Medal.Medal. BronzeBronze MedalMedal When the athletes and officials of Team Nigeria returned to Abuja, they were treated as national heroes. Some of them were rewarded with national honours and cash. A national public holiday was declared to celebrate the performance of our sporting ambassadors.

So children, now you have to make up your mind about who has been the best Me I like my country, ambassador of Nigeria I like the land and people, to the outside everything dey for Nigeria. world. Make we join hands to make Nigeria greater. I like am. I Like am! O' yes, who no like betta thing.

end.end.