The Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) is leaving no stone unturned in its bid to rally behind the Super Eagles at the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. Ahead of the tournament, the NFSC’s National Chairman, Samuuel Ikpea, has revealed plans to mobilize a formidable contingent of 700 fans to provide unwavering support for the Nigerian national team throughout the event.

With the month-long Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to kick off on January 13 and culminate on February 11, the NFSC is intensifying its efforts to ensure that the Super Eagles receive the much-needed backing from passionate supporters. Ikpea emphasized the organization’s commitment to bolstering the team’s morale by coordinating the presence of fans from various chapters across different countries.

“We have a chapter in Cote d’Ivoire. Of course, you are aware that the NFSC has offices and chapters across the world, and Cote d’Ivoire is apparently one of them,” Ikpea stated. The NFSC’s reach extends beyond Nigeria, with dedicated fan bases in countries such as Ghana, Niger, South Africa, and Togo poised to join the ranks of supporters in Cote d’Ivoire. This concerted effort underscores the NFSC’s dedication to ensuring that the Super Eagles receive substantial backing on the global stage.

Ikpea affirmed, “I want to assure Nigerians that when the Super Eagles take on the host nation, we will not be playing 11 against 12. Rather, it’s going to be 12 against 12.” By mobilizing hundreds of fans to amplify the team’s presence in the stadium, the NFSC aims to level the playing field and elevate the atmosphere to become an additional source of strength for the Super Eagles.

In light of the NFSC’s ambitious endeavor, Ikpea extended a call to corporate bodies, private organizations, and philanthropists to lend their support and contribute to the realization of this collective mission. He emphasized that this robust show of solidarity is pivotal to propelling the Super Eagles towards success and potentially securing the coveted Africa Cup of Nations trophy

Despite the challenges and financial strain endured by the NFSC, Ikpea underscored the pivotal role played by supporters in uplifting the team, affirming, “We have always played our role as the 12th player on the pitch each time the Super Eagles play.” He highlighted the sacrifices made by NFSC members, who tirelessly demonstrate their unwavering dedication by traveling extensive distances to bolster the team, often without the due recognition they deserve.

Ikpea also shed light on the financial burden faced by the NFSC, disclosing that the average return ticket to Cote d’Ivoire amounts to about N 800,000 per person. Nevertheless, he remained resolute in the belief that the presence and resounding support of the NFSC in Cote d’Ivoire will serve as a driving force for the Super Eagles, especially in pivotal matches such as the encounter with the host team on January 18.

With 24 teams, including Ivory Coast, set to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, the NFSC’s fervent determination to amplify the Super Eagles’ support system underscores its unwavering commitment to the team’s success. As the NFSC endeavors to rally 700 fans to bolster the team’s morale and fortify their resolve, their plea for financial backing seeks to ensure that the spirit of the Nigerian national team remains unyielding under the unwavering support of its loyal supporters.