DistantNews
Support us
Ehizode: Canagerian for life, by Emeka Obasi
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Ehizode: Canagerian for life, by Emeka Obasi

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Joe Ehizode, a Nigerian who relocated to Canada nearly three decades ago, reflects on his dual identity and support for Canada in international sports.
  • Ehizode, a former sports journalist, maintains allegiance to both Canada and Nigeria but prioritizes Canada, especially when Nigeria does not qualify for events like the World Cup.
  • The article explores themes of diaspora identity, national pride, and the complexities of supporting multiple countries, referencing other Nigerians in Canada and the US.

Joe Ehizode, a Nigerian who has made his home in Surrey, British Columbia, for nearly three decades, embodies a modern, complex identity. Once a sports journalist in Nigeria, he now navigates his allegiance between his birth country and his adopted home, Canada.

I owe my undiluted allegiance to Canada first, and my country of birth Nigeria, second. But because Nigeria did not qualify for this World Cup, I found myself in a sea of match ups, swinging my support from one nation to another as the tournament progressed. It became a master class in modern identity.

— Joe EhizodeExplaining his dual allegiance and how he navigates supporting multiple countries in international sports.

Ehizode articulates a clear sense of belonging: "I owe my undiluted allegiance to Canada first, and my country of birth Nigeria, second." This sentiment is particularly pronounced during international sporting events like the World Cup, where his support shifts based on Nigeria's participation. He describes this as a "master class in modern identity."

I could not bring myself to backing a nation whose recent History has been married by the Xenophobic actions of goons targeting fellow Africans.

— Joe EhizodeStating his refusal to support countries with a history of xenophobia, particularly against Africans.

His perspective is shaped by his experiences and observations. When Mexico defeated South Africa, he found it "sweet music." Conversely, he expressed strong disapproval of nations exhibiting xenophobic actions or rhetoric detrimental to fellow Africans or Canada's interests, citing Mexico and the United States as examples. This reflects a nuanced view of national identity tied to values and actions.

I cannot in good conscience, support a country that habours political factions or rhetoric wanting to annex Canada. Absolutely not.

— Joe EhizodeExpressing his opposition to supporting nations with political rhetoric perceived as a threat to Canada.

The article also touches upon the shared disappointment among Nigerians in the diaspora regarding the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the World Cup. Figures like Femi Solaja in Vancouver and Yemi Ojo in Baltimore express sadness, noting Nigeria's large diaspora population and the missed opportunities for vibrant watch parties and media coverage. The piece highlights how international sports can amplify discussions about identity, belonging, and national pride among expatriate communities.

It is really sad, considering the number of Nigerians in those countries. I stand to be corrected, Nigeria has the highest population of diaspora than other visiting teams to the World Cup. Nigeria got the vibes to make open watch party more entertaining.

— Femi SolajaExpressing disappointment over Nigeria's World Cup qualification failure, highlighting the large diaspora.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog