Uche and The Kids; Nigerianization II (SEPTEMBER 2016, NY)
The next day was Monday, September 26. It happened to be the date of the New York presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. I had suggested some other place, but Uche’s friends were hosting a debate viewing party at a nearby restaurant. Just as the afternoon came by, Uche mentioned that we had to take his second son (Uchechi) for football (soccer) practice. This appeared to be another venture in Uche’s “Nigerianization” of the kids.
I do not exactly remember where we went to but I remember that we hopped on a few trains, got off, walked past some alleys and were then welcomed into a field with a thousand shrieking kids. Uchechi was in no mood for practice that day and made it known on his face and with his folded arms.
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He kept the scowl up as Uche tried to let him know that he was expected to join the field. We got to the field and I didn’t understand if Uche Sr. or Jr was the one attending the practice. Uche spent half of the time analysing positions, tactics, speaking with coaches and other parents till the time lapsed, while Uchechi stood on one side of the field with his arms still folded. At no time did Uche raise his voice. He continued to speak firmly and compassionately to the little one, even though it had little effect.
This was apparently Uche’s remix of Nigerianization, since my own version was already wondering why we came the whole distance without achieving our primary aim.
