5 of the best football lines in Nigerian rap

Because loving football doesn't mean you can't love music, Music In Africa has curated some of the most brilliant references to the sport in contemporary Nigerian hip hop. If you can't see your favourite line from your favourite rapper on our list, please let us know in the comments. For now, it is kick-off time. 

5. Reminisce

“Won ni mo make wrong move, mo ti hang, Nuri Sahin.”

This line, which appears on 'Government', is in reference to Nuri Sahin's departure from Real Madrid to Liverpool. Reminisce alludes to it to notify detractors that he’s aware that his decision to go completely local won’t end like Sahin's once-promising career.

And while Nuri Sahin has never made it to the World Cup, Reminisce's career has flourished since he went completely local.

4. Vector

“I was raised in the barracks, history was kinda sick...Now I’m standing like Kanu Nwankwo in '96.”

This line, which appears on the remix of General Pype's 'Champion', is as good as it is nostalgic. Vector plays with Nigeria’s most memorable football victory that remains fresh in the hearts of many. The line is so remarkable that Naeto C had to follow up on the next verse with something about as memorable, but it’s Vector's that’s more brilliant.

3. Olamide

“Mo man je'yan—cannibal, tu fe'pon jo bi Roger Miller.”

It is quite difficult to choose Olamide’s most outstanding football line because he has mentioned everyone from Pele to Messi, Ronaldo, Benni McCarthy, all the way to Victor Ikpeba.

However, in light of the forthcoming World Cup, this line, which appeared on a technically marvelous song 'Industreet', does justice to Roger Milla's performance at the 1990 World Cup where the Cameroonian dazzled the world with his feet as much as with his dancing hips.

2. Olamide

“I’m balling like it’s World Cup and I’m gonna shine. Other rappers be like Naija, dem no dey reach final.”

This is from Phyno's 'Ghostmode' and is perhaps Olamide’s most popular football reference. The line was heavily criticised when Nigeria won the African Cup of Nations. But then again, Olamide was only referring to a World Cup final not an AFCON final. It is a great line that embodies the idea that unlike his contemporaries, Olamide is in the game for the glory. Five years later, it is safe to say his prophecy has come true as there is probably no Nigerian rapper who's more successful.

1. MI Abaga

“Like Rashidi Yekini, I’m sublime.”

On 'I'm Hot', MI Abaga was as much on top of the world as Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s greatest goal scorer, was when he tore into the net following his goal for the Super Eagles against Bulgaria in USA 1994. This line, from a song that uses a D'banj beat from 2008, is the most important tribute pop music ever gave to the late Yekini. It is yet to be surpassed by anyone else.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup takes place from 14 June to 15 July.