Dikko promises to unite supporters’ club
By Olaolu Joseph
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has pledged to unify the various sports supporters’ clubs in Nigeria.
Dikko assured that this unification would accommodate all interests, fostering a cohesive and robust fan base. “I want us to have one supporters’ club in this country. If you stay together as a broom, it is more difficult to break,” he said.
Speaking during a meeting with Abayomi Ogunjimi, President of the Authentic Nigerian Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club—one of the numerous supporters’ groups in the country—Dikko emphasized his commitment to ensuring no group is sidelined in the process. “We will try to unite all the groups without putting anyone under the bus,” he added.
Dikko also highlighted the potential advantages of a unified supporters’ club, suggesting that it could significantly boost fan engagement beyond traditional activities like dancing, drumming, and singing.
“The fans should not just support by cheering on the players. They should invest their hearts and pockets into the game. By this, I mean they should not only support emotionally but also financially by purchasing replica jerseys and other merchandise to support the sport and the clubs,” Dikko stated.
The Nigerian Supporters’ Club was once celebrated globally for its unified and vibrant displays under the leadership of Dr. Rafiu Ladipo. However, internal power struggles fractured the unity, leading to the emergence of multiple groups. These factions now attend competitions wearing different colors, singing disjointed tunes, and competing for recognition while supporting the same team.
