Written by Benson Chukwueke, a Sport Marketing Consultant and CEO, GreenHunters Sports International
The role of the Nigerian Supporters Club in promoting football became so organized, consistent and admirable such that the World Governing Football Body FIFA, gave the club “The Best Behaved Supporters Club” in the 1994 World Cup. For a nation making her debut at the FIFA World Cup and her Supporters are adjudged to be the best behaved, so much credit need to be given to them. At the Confederation level, CAF have given the Nigerian Football Supporters Club several awards, appreciating the good spirit of sportsmanship which they have shown in discharge of their duties.
With their signature infectious drumming, singing spree and gyrations, the Nigerian Football Supporters' Club will always be on call to electrify match venues and cheer up Nigerian national teams whenever any of the teams play. They are not just called for hire, the Nigerian football supporters club are part of the Nigerian National team brand nomenclature.
Charged with deafening noise harassment at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the vuvuzela blare of the Zulu fans and druming, trumpeting of the Nigerian Supporters club were accused of causing spectators headache and players some physical trummer.
But with the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing leading to football games played under closed doors may have brought about such strange atmosphere of oddity and coldness in stadium arenas. Something so important is missing in football entertainment, the cheering and booing of fans and the climatic utility in the sadness and joy every football game delivers.
The drumming and songs of trumpeting put strides in the legs of the players and they can go the extra mile to win. Without the Nigerian Football supporters club, perhaps, the Nigerian national teams wouldn't have won some of the miraculous matches they did.
The Nigerian football Supporters club does not only sing and praise, they also pray and fast for the team, invoking the phantom god of soccer to prevail in their favour. And many times the supporters club have been accused of going diabolical, spiritual invocations to demobilize opponent players and turn around the aura of the game to favour their national team.
Although, nobody can proof to what extent the Nigerian football supporters club can go, but the pot of fire, charms, amulets, chaplets and Holy bible they display in their ritualistic gyrations leaves everyone guessing and insinuating.
Indeed, they can go all the way, following the team to the world Cup, afcon, even to friendly and exhibition games, no matter the country.
They have also been accused of visa racketeering, using their umbrella entity to courier non-members and allow them to deflect to the thin air at arrival in the foreign country. These racketeering and other underground businesses that goes on within the club hierarchy has led to incessant conflicts and leadership struggles. Now then, a different fraction of the supporters club will spring up and several chapters of the club existing on their own in countries across the world.
These doesn't in anyway undermine their role. Since the Nigerian football teams started representing Nigeria in football tournaments, the Supporters Club have consistently played significant role in such a manner that gives strength and life to the teams.They are never tired of supporting the teams with their trumpets, drums and voices even in time of defeat. Indeed, the Nigerian national team isn't complete without the supporters club.
