ODOGWU IN BOX 18: Maybe, If We Start Supporting In One Tune, Eagles Will Start Winning
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According to the Holy Book, "A house divided against itself cannot stand". Many have been wondering why the Super Eagles have not been performing well in recent times, my intuition is telling me that it's because our support is divided, then the center could not hold again. I may be wrong, but it can not be far from the truth. Our prayers are no longer genuine for the team.
An egg head in the NFF recently told Box 18 of how an influential player of the Super Eagles walked to him in Abidjan during the last African Cup of Nations, to request that the various Supporters club groups should stop following them to matches, that their presence now longer motivates them, instead it is causing confusion for them. That the different tunes from the Supporters club actually disorganized them at match situations.
A serving minister in the present Federal Executives Council also told Box 18 of how he was almost been cajoled into the high level of desperation been exhibited by various groups to gain legitimacy. According to him, he took a trip to the National Stadium in Lagos, to among other things, see the level of decadence at the national structure. Unknown to him, one of the factions had positioned cameras at the venue, immediately he got to the stadium their factional leader came to welcome him with a warm embrace. Before he left the venue, photographs had emerged on social media that he has endorsed a faction. The Minister asked Box 18 rhetorically why do you people like crisis and factions in the Sporting sector?. Quietly, l answered within me "If you ask me ee, na who l go askkk".
Before 2014, one of the joy of going to the stadium to watch the Super Eagles play, is the gyration that comes from the melodious tunes from the Supporters Club. But, these days, that is no longer attainable as what we have is a bunch of confused tunes that no doubt affects the psyche of the players.
The Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) has a rich history that dates back to 1956, when a group of enthusiastic fans led by the late Alhaji Ayodele Jakande, a renowned sports journalist decided to come together as a group to render a selfless duty of supporting the Super Eagles wherever they play.
The club's early years were marked by mobilizing support for the national team, creating a lively atmosphere at matches, and promoting football development in Nigeria. The NFSC grew rapidly, with chapters sprouting up across the country. The club became a symbol of national pride and unity. Gradually, the Club gained international recognition in the 1960s and 1970s, with the club's vibrant supporters becoming a notable feature of African football.
The NFSC faced challenges in the 1980s and 1990s, including funding issues and rivalries with other supporter groups.
In the 2000s, the NFSC experienced a resurgence, with a new generation of fans taking the reins and modernizing the club's operations. Before its factionalization, the Club was one of the largest and most prominent football supporter clubs in Africa, with thousands of members worldwide.
The Club played a significant role in promoting Nigerian football, supporting the national team, and fostering a sense of community among the fans.
For the past ten years or there about, the Super Eagles has been operating with various factions of the Supporters Clubs ditching out discordant tunes at match venues.
Things, fell apart shortly after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when a major crack occurred in the club, leading to the emergence of a new group, Super Eagles Supporters headed by Prince Vincent Okumagba.
Thereafter, various other groups also emerged from the breakaway group, bringing the number to five supporters clubs in the country.
From Egypt 2019 to Coted'ivoire 2014 AFCON, the over four groups operated differently, singing different songs and offering different drum beats from their opposing directions.
Some years ago, efforts were made to unify the Club once again, but it met a brick wall.
The declarations of the various leaders of the groups could not hold waters.
One of the group leaders once told journalists that his group was ready to re-unite with other groups if things are done properly.
He stated that a united Supporters Club is possible if initiated by the Nigeria Football Federation
“Yes, it is possible for us to operate as one body again, but certain things have to be taken into consideration.
“If we become one, who will control? Those in group A won’t allow group B to control their people, and those in group B won’t allow group A to control their people. Now, we have different uniforms. Which one are we going to wear? We are ready if others are ready to come to the table,” he stated then.
The President General of the NFSC Dr Rafiu Ladipo had severally accused some bad elements within the Nigerian football system of separating them.
The reasons for the factionalization of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club includes Leadership crisis, as different factions may support different leaders.Lack of a unified vision for the club.Power struggle among different factions. Disagreements over the direction of the club. Conflicting interests among different factions. Poor communication among different factions.Historical grievances and unresolved conflicts among different factions.
To achieve a unified Football Supporters Club in the country once again, since accusing fingers are being pointed at the hierarchy of the Nigeria Football Federation as been responsible for the disintegration of the body, the football body should take the initiative of uniting once again. Because, when you looking for a missing meat in the house, you send the dog to locate it. The NFF should make bold move, and any of the group that failed to adhere to the rules that would be presented should be banned from supporting the national teams. The factions are thriving because some elements in the football house are leveraging on them.
There should be dialogue and reconciliation. They should encourage open discussions among factions to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings.
They should be encouraged to hold elections to choose a unified leadership, ensuring representation from all factions.The constitution of the club should be updated to address issues causing factionalization.The club should set up a communication framework for effective information sharing. They should organize events and initiatives that promote unity and shared goals. They should engage neutral mediators to resolve disputes and establish a fair decision-making process.
They should focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusivity to rebuild trust among factions.They should develop a shared vision and strategy for the club's future, and establish a mechanism for addressing conflicts and grievances
It is our dream to see the Supporters Club come together as one again, it is also our dreams to see the Eagles return to the winning ways again. Maybe, If we sing together again, we can conquer together again.
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