AFCON FINALS – After The Storm

Usman was 15 when he lost the biggest match of his young life.

In the heat of the moment, he reacted badly — words said, emotions spilled.

Moments later, he regretted when he understood the gravity of his actions.

What changed Usman wasn’t punishment or public shaming. It was mentorship. Someone pulled him aside and showed him what losing with dignity looked like, and why sportsmanship matters even more when emotions run high.

I thought about Usman while watching the African Cup of Nations final (AFCON).

The match was intense. The stakes were enormous. And yes — the behaviour on the pitch from both sides crossed lines that should never be normalised in football. Players are role models whether they choose to be or not, and conduct matters, especially on a stage as powerful as AFCON.

That said, context matters too.

This was not casual football. It was national pride, history, pressure, expectation, and exhaustion colliding in ninety-plus minutes. Decisions were made in the heat of the moment — driven by passion, not malice. Acknowledging that doesn’t excuse poor behaviour, but it does humanise the players involved.

While football doesn’t need less emotion, it does need better outlets for expression.

One of the problems in modern sport is that frustration, disappointment, and anger have nowhere healthy to go. They spill out on the pitch, on social media, and in moments players later wish they could take back.

There should be a space where players, fans, coaches, and stakeholders can vent in real time, reflect together, and learn — not tear each other down, but process the game honestly. Just as importantly, it should be a place for mentorship: where younger athletes can see what acceptable behaviour looks like, how professionals handle loss, and how passion can coexist with respect.

This is where I believe platforms like TWO XP matter.

AFCON reminded us why football is powerful. It also reminded us why guidance, community, and leadership are essential. If we want better behaviour in sport, we must build better systems around athletes — not just judge them when they fall short.

I’d love to hear your thoughts: How do we protect the passion of the game while raising the standard of conduct?