Chris Maduewesi
Member
Last weekend,Muslim faithfuls all over the world began their holy month of fasting and talks about sportsmen taking part have already started drawing up debates.
Some people opined that the fasting would impede in the players' performances as they would be very weak to churn out a top level performance.
But others argued that it has to do with the state of mind,adding that if a player feels he can go the long haul,the sheer determination would last the person.
In a competition of the World Cup's magnitude,wouldn't players who are not fasting have an advantage over those who are?
A coach will be faced with such dilemma when drawing up his team sheets and he might have to put that into consideration.
The Super Eagles will this evening in Brasilia take on France for a place in the last eight of the World Cup.
Both teams have Muslims in their ranks,however it does not look as if the coaches will drop some of the players on the account that they are fasting.
Two Muslims are in the Super Eagles team: Ahmed Musa and Ramon Azeez,who will both be observing their obligatory religious beliefs.
Musa particularly impressed in the game against Argentina,netting two of Nigeria's goals in the encounter and it will not be fair to leave him out of the starting line up.
However the decision should be with the player to know if he can keep his performances up.
Because it is going to be very challenging staying hydrated for the duration of the game,also considering that the game will be played in a hot afternoon in Brasilia.
France coach Didier Deschamps,admitted that he has left the decision up to his own players to make up their mind.
“It’s a very sensitive and delicate subject. There’s nothing for me to dictate," he said. "We respect everyone’s religion. Today is not the first time we’re discovering this situation. I am not in the least bit worried and everyone will adapt to the situation”.
Karim Benzema,Bacary Sagna are some of the Muslims in the French team who will equally be taking part in the game.
It is a game Nigeria will be hoping to win in order to make history by becoming only the fourth African country to ever qualify for the quarterfinals.
Musa more than any other person knows the importance of the match to the country,and I am sure he will be the first to notify coach Stephen Keshi if he is not up to it.
Photo Credit: @FIFAWorldCup