Super Eagles World Cup absence affects Ondo viewing centres, operators lament

By Boye Oyeyemi

The absence of the Super Eagles from the ongoing FIFA World Cup has led to a sharp decline in patronage at football viewing centres across Akoko communities in Ondo State, operators say.

Viewing centres in Akungba-Akoko, Arigidi-Akoko, Oka-Akoko and Ikare-Akoko have recorded low customer turnout during the tournament, with many operators attributing the decline to Nigeria’s failure to qualify.

One operator in Arigidi-Akoko, John Ogunbiyi, said business had remained slow throughout the competition, unlike previous editions when matches involving the Super Eagles or other African teams attracted large crowds.

“Sales are nothing to write home about. Whenever the Super Eagles or other African teams are playing, we usually record massive patronage, but that has not happened this time,” he said.

Similarly, a football enthusiast, Adekunle Daramola, said Nigerians, who are passionate supporters of the national team, had lost significant interest because of the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament.

According to him, many fans have stayed away from viewing centres because they no longer feel emotionally connected to the competition without the Super Eagles.

Another football enthusiast, Chief Agede Lawal, urged football authorities to improve preparations for future qualification campaigns, warning that missing major tournaments negatively affects both fans and businesses that depend on football-related activities.

Despite the decline in interest, many respondents expressed optimism that Nigeria would return to the World Cup in future editions, restoring the excitement and economic benefits that usually accompany the country’s participation.