Football is widely regarded as the most popular sport in the world. And it would amount to nothing without its fans. In Europe, football fans are the most dedicated, crazy heads that one can find.
However, two things happened during the week on the same day that prompted this write up.
Enyimba Football Club of Aba is arguably the biggest club in the country. They are recognized as the best in the country albeit to conclude here that they are now a shadow of the past.
They were in Asaba for an FA Cup match with an unknown Abakaliki Football Club from Ebonyi State sponsored by a Senator..
The name Enyimba alone would have made the Stephen Keshi Stadium look a political campaign but it was not, despite the gate thrown open for free prompting a stakeholder to ask “where are the fans”.
In that match, the Abakaliki boys made Enyimba to look like primary school pupils with an emphatic victory after two unreplied goals ended in the net of the people’s elephant as the Aba team is known. While the match proved that FA Cup is full of surprises, the fans were nowhere around the stadium.
This reminded me of a similar story I wrote in 2002 which fetched me an award. Then, a beverage company was sponsoring FA Cup then and it was a beauty to behold.
Later on that day, Real Madrid had an unforgettable encounter with Arsenal in far away Madrid but Nigerians had the opportunity of watching it on television.
Somewhere along Infant Jesus Road in Asaba lies a football viewing center. The operator, simply known as Chukudi, charges N400. With 30 minutes to the match time, the place was filled up with yours sincerely begging to be offered a space with my N400.
Whereas, Enyimba match was free, fans which shunned that match were begging for seats in a television view centers. I am sure it is the same story from Kontagora to Asaba. Fans attitude, especially in Delta is a source of worry to club owners. What must have been responsible for this lukewarm attitude to Nigerian clubs. If the almighty Enyimba could be overlooked by fans, then, only God knows what would happen to clubs without names.
Fans in Asaba and Delta State as a whole should be encouraged to be more active and be counted as offering a willing resource. Football has a global reach and you find it anywhere in the World. Football is nothing without the fans. They come to the stadium for the experience and emotions.
Football fans are crucial to the sports success because they drive the economic engine, contribute to the sports culture, traditions and provide a unique experience. One need to see the way fans behave in other countries and in Nigeria, places like Kano, Aba, Enugu, Ibadan and may be, Lagos could also be mentioned. In Delta, the rating is zero.
Fans financial support through ticket sales, merchandise and other avenues fuels the growth of clubs, while their passionate engagement creates a vibrant atmosphere that enhances the game for players and other fans alike.
I’m Europe, Coaches often boast that with the support of their fans, they are sure of winning their match at home. Go to Ozoro where Warri Wolves play their home matches and you will shed tears. Where are the fans?
Fans passion and devotion creates a strong connection with the players, inspiring them to give their all. No doubt, the Stadium and the surrounding areas attract visitors, generating revenue for local businesses, hotels and restaurants. The culture of Football is fueled by the passionate and emotional connection fans have with their teams. The earlier the better for Deltans to develop such attitude and emotion around our clubs especially Warri Wolves and our female team, Delta Queens. Often, both teams play like orphans. We must change our attitude. The time has come for families to learn and embrace the culture of watching matches live in our various stadia in the State. It fosters a sense of belonging and shared identity among fans, creating strong social bonds and a community of like- minded individuals. It also serves as a source of inspiration to the youths and the children when they see stars with their very eyes.
Football provides entertainment, stress relief and a sense of purpose, contributing to the overall wellbeing of individuals.
It is pertinent at this juncture to point it out that the energy and support of the crowd can provide players with a boost of motivation and help them overcome fatigue and pain. The presence of fans creates a home advantage, encouraging players to perform better in front of their loved ones.
Moreover, fans presence and expectations can influence so many things, including unfair officiating. Referees will find it difficult to misbehave knowing fully well that thousands of people are watching them. Their presence could also influence club decisions related to players, team strategies and create community engagement. Football fans are the life blood of the sports economic ecosystem. Indeed, they are customers for life.
Therefore, the time has come for our bigwigs, politicians, technocrats and individuals to embrace the culture of watching matches live just for the fun. Football without fans is nothing.
