The Price of Passion—Are We Spending Too Much on the Game?

Let me get the story straight. I have always been a sports lover, right from when I was very young, even up till now. Maybe that was one of the reasons why I was made the sports prefect during my secondary school days because I was actively involved in it like it was my life. I love it, so I won't go against it, but I will still say what is on my mind concerning this prompt.

If we are familiar with the game of sport, we are aware that every four years, a country is always selected to host the Olympics or the World Cup, which always brings the world together in a large number. The atmosphere always changes; from one street to another, they are always talking about one game or another, and even at night, the environment is always buzzing with the sound of noisy generators, and viewing centers are extremely filled up just to see the ongoing games because no sports fans will want to miss it. Yet, behind all this happiness and screaming is the reality of all the money spent just to make the show a reality.

The truth of the matter is, billions of dollars are usually spent just to make everything look so pleasing, from the building of hostels for foreigners to the renovation of some things, not to talk about the real deal, the newly built stadiums that might not be in use again after the event.

I can remember the recent ones. Countries like Qatar, Russia, and even Brazil that hosted the World Cup built massive infrastructure, yet some of these buildings are later abandoned after the game while the citizens of those countries battle with poverty, unemployment rates increasing daily, and even no good health care. And this sometimes always makes me think, what if those billions had been diverted into building more hospitals and taking care of the citizens

And yet, I see it from another angle like this: as a sport lover, to me, it is more than just a game when 22 people run after a ball or when seven people from different countries are on the track field running to claim the gold medal. Sport is a means of identity; it brings unity to the world.

Just few days ago, when Nigeria played against Benin for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and I was watching the match review on X, I discovered that even people from other countries were in support of the match even though they had not been in those countries before. And this always reminds me that despite our differences, we can always come together and celebrate.

Though I was not yet born at that time, I could remember my dad sharing how the Nigerian footballers won the 1996 Olympic gold medal. Him saying this with the joy in his voice gave me some goosebumps back then. And I myself have seen some Nigerians doing so well in sports and winning medals, which has brought pride to my country, even though some of these leaders and citizens might not appreciate or know the value, but it is a sign of hope for the winners and their support.

So, maybe too much money has been spent in the sports world, but I will say it is all worth it because having the passion to do what someone loves is wealth itself. And the experience we have shared, the emotions, unity, and motivation, is worth all the pennies being spent.

Thank you for reading.

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