# @timnwachukwu on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DbHAGn0miXa
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69278716-timnwachukwu-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/5c48a2e20f.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-22T20:57:55.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Tim Nwachukwu (@timnwachukwu) — https://gondola.cc/timnwachukwu

## Caption

One month, 13 matches, three cities. 

This was my second World Cup, the first under nwachukwuworks. Thousands of miles and files, many 12+ hour days and 3am returns home; counting last coins to fund travel. I’m amongst the luckiest 1% of the world thanks to my supportive loved ones, colleagues, and encouraging spouse.

At first I was anxious and withdrawn. But then I’d see old friends or meet someone in almost divine ways. I met folks from all over who left such a great impression that I never want to forget them. This field is competitive, yet also filled with caring, awesome people.

These events reinforce preparedness while embracing the gift of letting go. No one knows if or where goals and nice pictures will happen. Travel changes at any minute. One of my cameras broke during the Brazil/Norway match (big thanks to the CPS team for the loans). We work in high heat, downpours, or both. We hope that “the moment” comes to our seats, and curse when we miss it. Work becomes harder when managing logistics, coverage, outreach, finances, and promotion alone. But, the response to all of these factors determines outcomes.

20 years ago, I was 12 watching the 2006 World Cup at home in Louisville, KY. Times were tough: it was a year after my dad’s murder, so we were grieving and managing tight finances. Watching matches was our respite; dribbling anywhere was joy. My mom registered me for co-ed rec soccer at my local YMCA for $90 after the tournament as a constructive outlet. I felt reborn AND we won the league! I had this new obsession, and a belief that things can improve. Competitive teams were expensive, so I stopped playing at 14, but I’m still happiest by a pitch. I’m grateful soccer positively helps me today.

We’re social creatures and soccer is one activity that oddly connects so many. These times show that we casually enjoy understanding each other. With more age, I see why we use sports to feel and heal. Politics and atrocities of the world continued; some worsened, and others spilled onto the pitch. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Per usual, regular people coming together to enjoy a 90-minute game made the tournament special.

📸: pedropaulodiaz

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 592
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- **Comments:** 34

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Tim Nwachukwu | @timnwachukwu | https://gondola.cc/timnwachukwu | Photographer |

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