The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be backed by a strong contingent of passionate fans as they begin their campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, according to the leader of the country's main supporters group.
Supporters Club Mobilizes for Morocco Campaign
Vincent Okumagba, the Chairman of the Unified Nigeria Supporters Club, has guaranteed that the national team will receive the vocal and instrumental backing they need to secure a victory in their opening match. The Super Eagles face the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Tuesday evening, December 23, 2025.
Okumagba revealed that he and other members of the supporters' group arrived in Morocco on Monday, December 22. The main body of the club, which includes the crucial instrumentalists or 'band boys', departed from Lagos on the morning of Tuesday, December 23.
Resolved to Work with National Sports Commission
In a conversation with The Guardian on Tuesday morning, Okumagba expressed the group's unified commitment. "We have resolved to work together with the National Sports Commission to ensure the Super Eagles do well in Morocco," he stated.
He provided details on the travel arrangements, noting that while some members arrived on Monday and the bulk left Lagos on Tuesday, another set is scheduled to arrive on Thursday. Their travel is being facilitated by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
"Even if those coming in today could not arrive early before the match against Tanzania, we have mobilised our members in Morocco to be on ground," Okumagba explained. These local members are coming from Casablanca to join the support base, and they have been provided with free match tickets and T-shirts.
Gratitude and Unity Among Support Groups
Okumagba extended his appreciation to the NSC leadership, specifically naming Malian Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, for the support given to the Supporters Club. He also thanked the members for their maturity.
He emphasized the current unity among all Nigerian supporter factions, stating, "All other supporters groups are under the Unified Nigeria Supporters Club, and we are operating as members of one big family." This statement signals a resolution to previous tensions.
This mobilization comes after the Supporters Club held an emergency meeting on Friday, December 19, where they raised concerns that the Super Eagles might miss their vital support in Morocco. The initial issues centered around logistical failures by the NSC in airlifting key members, particularly the instrumentalists who provide the drums and trumpets that energize the team and fans. It appears these logistical hurdles have now been overcome.
With the supporters now en route and local members activated, the Super Eagles are set to play their crucial AFCON 2025 opener against Tanzania in a stadium atmosphere that will feel much more like home.
