Mixed feelings with VAR

So VAR means video assistant referee. It is a qualified referee who watches the match via a number of screens and can view slow-motion replays, enabling them to advise the on-field referee.

So it's the world cup games and my country Nigeria played against Ghana today. As a patriotic citizen who wants to support the Nigerian team called super Eagles, I left my house to a close by viewing centre so I could follow and watch the match live.

Well, frankly there has been no light for a couple of days and it has been a battle to find a place to charge on campus. You'd even notice that I've not been active here for awhile now cos of the light issues. In addition to cheering the super Eagles, I went with my extension and phone so I could charge as well.

What a way to kill two birds with one stone.

The match started rather sloppy and within the first 30mins, Ghana had already scored a clean goal against my country. I was not pleased with this development but I wasn't worried as we still had enough time to equalise.

A few mins later, a Nigerian player was kicked to the ground but the ref didn't as much as blow a whistle even though this happened within the 18yard box. Apparently he saw nothing wrong with it or so he thought. VAR stepped in and saw that the player was tackled or more like pushed and after the ref went to watch the play back, it was confirmed and a penalty was awarded. Just that award of the penalty sent shivers of celebration all through the hall as we were all happy and screaming and when the penalty was scored, the screams doubled.

This brought the game to a balance with both of teams having one goal each. At this moment, I was in love with VAR because the goal came because of its action and I praised it. Little did I know that faith had plans for me.

A long pass was made and the super eagle ran with the ball and put it at the back of the net and we were all jubilating and jumping. Personally, I screamed with a loud voice cos my team had just scored another goal. Soon after, same VAR that was a blessing became my nightmare and to cut the long story short, it was concluded that the player was offside and the goal was cancelled.

Sadly as I write this article, My country Nigeria did not qualify for the world cup this season or year or whatever you like to call it. I was so sad and dejected that I left my house to watch them lose. At least there was a bright side which was me charging my phone and other things.

Real Life VAR

As the match went on, I couldn't help but think if life had a video assistant referee, how it would be. Imagine being the actual referee of your life which by default you are and then there was another who could take you back to the steps you took that were either right or wrong, that would be beneficial or not.

I really can't say that I know how I would feel, cos imagine today's match, VAR brought about a goal and the same VAR took another one. I can't help but ask it whose side it is on.

Well I guess just like in football, it would be on no one's side but simply stand for what is right.

Considering how much of bias people we now have in the world, we would need a real life VAR. At least the truth would not be withheld in dire situations where it is needed and only those who deserve to be rewarded will get the reward.

Imagine there was no VAR in the football match today, alot of mistakes that were avoided would have happened. As much as I'm sad my team lost and we've been disqualified, I'm still appreciative of the whole system. Still doesn't mean I won't give VAR a piece of my mind whenever we get the chance.

Author's Epilogue

Today was so much fun for me, cos it felt good to be in a place where everyone present supported one cause and one team. You should have been there to hear the joy and see the excitement, believe me when I say it was worth it. It only hurts that the joy was short lived and we all went home unhappy.

Like I heard in a movie, "we live to win another day" and win we shall and even if we lose we'd also win another day.

Thanks for your time..

Mhizutty the voice of truth 🎵🎶🎵