In an exclusive interview with Sports247, Alhaji Jimoh Musiliu Alao, the Deputy Vice President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, shed light on the unwavering support the club has been providing for the Nigerian national team at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
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Addressing the club’s presence at the Nigeria Community Festival at CoCodi University, Alao emphasized the crucial role the Super Eagles Supporters Club plays in bolstering the morale of the national team.
“We are here to support our national team Super Eagles. We have been here since the first day of the match, where we cheered them to victory, but unfortunately, we played to a 1-1 draw. In the second game, we won against the host nation Cote d’Ivoire. We are here to continue to give enough support to our Super Eagles, and we believe what happened in 2013 will repeat again. We are going home with the trophy,” Alao declared with confidence.
Alao acknowledged the challenges the club faced in organizing such substantial support, especially with the financial aspects.
He disclosed that the club had a well-thought-out plan in place since November, with a committee working on logistics, including accommodation and transportation for the members. Members contributed funds to support the cause, and Alao expressed gratitude while appealing to the government and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for additional assistance.
“We are appealing to the Government and the NFF to assist us because we are here for up to 8 days now in Abidjan. But we believe that we are going to the final of the AFCON. We still need more funds. And we appeal to Nigerians anywhere supporting the National team both female and male, both men and women. Following them, supporting them, and we appeal to our government to always assist us in the financial aspect,” Alao stated.
Providing insight into the sheer number of supporters present, Alao explained that the club brought around 50 members from Nigeria, including instrumentalists. In Abidjan, the club controls a chapter with more than 1000 members. Despite facing challenges in acquiring an adequate number of tickets, Alao expressed the club’s dedication to securing more tickets for its members, highlighting the discussions held in the NFF meeting to address the issue.
As the Super Eagles continue their AFCON campaign, Alao’s words reflect the determination and optimism of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, united in their goal of witnessing Nigeria clinch the coveted AFCON trophy.
