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Gaya

To you, football is just a game. But to him, it's so much more. Football is an emotional remote control designed specially for the male gender. In less than 90 minutes, they go from joy to despair, shouting to deafening silence, cursing to praying, banter to fighting...all unapologetically.

What's more intriguing? The adrenaline rush is constant. All tournaments have the same effect on these men, with AFCON (African Cup of Nations) as no exception. The past four weeks of AFCON must have been a rollercoaster of emotions for most Nigerian men. From the pride of the Super Eagles' unbeaten run to the heartbreak of Wednesday night’s knockout.

If you looked carefully, you must have observed new strains of emotions you never knew your partner possessed. And if you're still second-guessing your findings, here's the confirmation:

Even the most “chill” guys suddenly lose their cool with the game. Your boyfriend, who never yells in traffic? He’s screaming at the top of his voice, pacing across the room, and swearing uncontrollably.&nbsp; In front of that screen, there's no image to protect.

AFCON exposes the raw, unfiltered passion that no dating or social setting ever shows. With his boys and their drinks, he's not trying to impress anyone. In that moment, he throws all the steeze and composure reserved for you out the window.

Apparently, the mandem also stalks. This is when they reveal their obsessive knowledge of stats, transfers, and players' salaries. It goes to prove that they actually have the ability to retain detailed information...when—and only when—they want to. Watching him passionately debate formations and players' histories would be hilarious if he hadn't forgotten your last anniversary.

They know which club each player plays for. They can count how many goals their favourite players have scored this season. They remember particular referees from previous games. And if care is not taken, they're willing to stake their claims with your Valentine's package money.

When it comes to football, he's a proud Nigerian. Not once did he fail to show up for the Super Eagles in his customised Nigerian jersey. He’ll defend our national football team to the end, because he actually loves them. Even now that we're out of the competition, he still has bragging rights.

No other country's supporters are as loud as Nigerian men. The Super Eagles are still the best African team in their own books. And they won't fail to let the whole world know we would have lifted the trophy, save for the odds stacked against us. Does this mean your man is a loyal keeper, though?

You're not the only one wearing your mood on your face.&nbsp; If Nigeria scores, he’s all celebrations, snaps, and hype. But when Nigeria concedes, he'll transfer aggression to any scapegoat around. He puts all his energy into his expressions, and he can't even fake nonchalance to save himself.

You just don't know, but he probably cried after the final whistle for the Morocco vs Nigeria semi-final game. He has probably picked a fight or two in the past few weeks against non-Nigerian supporters. You see, you're not the only one who feels. Your gentleman actually has surging emotions, too.

Make sure he plans your next outing. He's actually a badass strategist. AFCON exposed his secret talent. All the formations, substitutions, and strategies he had carefully laid out like a pro analyst. Unfortunately, the coach didn't always see his vision.

The only downer is that he quickly shifts sides. When things don't go as strategised, he goes from being confident in the coach's game plan to “This was never a good lineup of players” within the first half. It is an innately masculine coping mechanism.

This weekend, we'll draw the curtains closed on AFCON 2025, and it'll be your season to shine. Ensure you have the same effect on him as the Super Eagles did if you want to experience the depth of emotions they did. Candid advice? Do the most before the Champions League snatches him off again.

You think you know him so well because you’re dating him. But here are truths that only football reveals about Nigerian men.


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