In the dynamic world of sports and life, the maxim “Success has many friends, but failure is an orphan” continues to ring true with timeless relevance. The recent triumph of Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) provides a compelling illustration of this reality.
Once a relatively unknown player from Ohiya-Ohuhu in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State, Esther is today the pride of a nation, a continent, and—suddenly—of every community that can remotely link itself to her bloodline or birthplace.
Since her outstanding performance at WAFCON, where she not only demonstrated skill but also resilience and sportsmanship, Esther has found herself at the center of adulation and claim. Various individuals and groups are now scrambling to identify with her.
Some have alleged that she is the daughter of a former Super Eagles star who hails from Item, a community miles away from her true hometown. Others from Ohiya, her actual place of origin, have now risen in loud celebration, projecting her as the light of their community and a daughter of great pride. Social media posts, traditional endorsements, and political recognition have followed swiftly—all flowing from the tap of her recent success.
This sudden rush to associate with Esther Okoronkwo is not accidental. It is the nature of success to attract friends, relatives, supporters, and even opportunists. When one climbs the mountain of greatness, the world looks up in admiration. But when one remains in the valley of obscurity or failure, even close friends and family members may silently detach. This is not always out of malice but rather due to a social tendency to gravitate toward achievement and avoid association with failure. It is why the roads leading to a successful person’s home are never lonely.
For young people, Esther’s story offers a vital lesson. She did not arrive at success by accident or shortcut. Her journey was one of discipline, perseverance, and legitimate pursuit of purpose. Growing up, she chose the path of hard work and honed her skills on the football pitch. She invested in herself, resisted distractions, and remained focused on her dream. Today, her name rings out not because of scandal or notoriety, but because of the medals she has earned, the goals she has scored, and the tears of joy she has inspired.
In contrast, many young people today fall into the false allure of quick success through drugs, crime, fraud, or cultism. These paths not only destroy destinies but also isolate individuals. When things go wrong—as they often do—no one wants to be associated with them. Friends disappear. Families deny them. Society brands them. In the end, they are left as lonely orphans of failure, shunned even by those who once shared dreams with them.
Let Esther Okoronkwo’s success be a guiding light. Let it remind every young boy and girl in Nigeria and beyond that true success is not just about being known—it is about being respected. It is not about hype—it is about substance. And it is not about noise—it is about results. By channeling energy into positive, legitimate ventures—be it education, sports, innovation, entrepreneurship, or any noble calling—today’s youth can rise from obscurity into significance.
Success welcomes many hands of applause, and failure often bears the weight of solitude. But the choice of which path to follow lies with each individual. As Esther Okoronkwo basks in the warmth of national celebration, let every young person be inspired not to envy her, but to emulate her: to work hard, to dream big, and to believe that one day, they too can be surrounded by those who once doubted them—now cheering for them.
Indeed, success is a friend of many. And failure, an orphan none wants to own. Choose wisely.
I’m Tochukwu Eluwa, I write for development and social reforms in Africa.
