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Football has one of the strongest binding forces.
It is the reason why someone watching a game by your side could jump on you for an embrace-someone you have not met or known before,due to the fact that his or her side have won the game or scored and you on the other other hand won't take offense because you know how passionate this thing can make someone be,even if the person feel a little embarrassed later.
In my part of the world,you won't find a lot of us making that trip to Stamford bridge or old trafford for a game,this is not to say we don't want to,it's only because of distance and financial issues that have put serious breaks on what we can and cannot do.
But believe me when I say we have one of the most passionate fan base the world has ever seen.
If we are not fighting for tribalistic supremacy or the people with God given mandate to govern the country,we are usually discussing sports.
The good thing is,when sports conversation comes to the fore,ethnic bigotry is given the backseat,they value sports,football than any other thing,not even governance can compete with sports on relevance.
However,the majority of the sports loving population are followers of the English premier league.
An interesting thing though,is the fact that,for some fans,you don't need to ask them the club they support,just take your time and look at them critically and you can tell.
It is the various characteristics that are peculiar to fans of these clubs in the country that sells them out.
You see these characteristics being played out when you are watching a game from a soccer center(game houses),a public pub or interacting with them on the streets.
I give you the typical behaviours of fans of four English powerhouse clubs in Nigeria.
CHELSEA SUPPORTERS:
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Chelsea football club have arguably the highest number of fan base in Nigeria,with that numerous numbers comes the excess noise they make,they overshadow every other club fans.
You can accuse them of not having much history,but they always have answers to give you back as a response.
Some of them don't say much-in terms of giving good footballing analysis,but the little points they make,they make it loud.
Their large population of supporters includes most street boys-some not too mannered individuals.....there is an alcoholic drinks called Chelsea,it intoxicates and makes one behaves a little irrationally,that's how some of those chelsea fans behaves-like the drink,at least that is what opposing supporters say.
This is not to say there are no well mannered Chelsea supporters in Nigeria,we have notable figures,politicians,top musicians,supporting the club.
It is only that the crazy ones have mixed so well and are a lot in their midst.
ARSENAL SUPPORTERS:
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This set of supoorters have unwavering faith,devotion to their club that will make their president and God envious.
Usually you see them walking around with an arsenal symbol,maybe the jersey, anything that shows they are the gunners.
They used to be very proud of their clubs ability to groom fine young talents to established finished product in the first team,these days however,that has subsided since the average player in their side is not so young anymore.
What really still gives them bragging right is the invincible class of 2004,they always put it on supporters of other clubs faces,that they are the first to have done that and no other EPL side will be able to do that ever again.
Their devotion to the club knows no bounds even though they have been on a trophiless run for quite some time,they have continued to keep the faith and endured.....this is something other fans in the region respect them for and also use in making fun of them,as they know it takes a lot to stand such torture-ask that ghanian Manchester United supporter who went viral on the internet,as he burned his clubs jersey after just few bad results saying"I am too young to die,I am not an arsenal fan"
MANCHESTER UNITED SUPPORTERS:
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An average Nigerian Manchester United supporter is less erratic,they are more analytical,with facts,in a public pub or soccer center their voice is not usually the loudest.
They exude a certain calm,and are usually loyal to the club and what it stands for.
This loyalty could be due to the fact that the Ferguson era brought plethora of success,and the fine principles he instilled or made pronounced at the club.
When they get upset,they are mostly upset about how the philosophies,fine ideals associated with the club is going down the drain post Sir Alex Ferguson.
They are not one to jump ship easily,they are Manchester United!
LIVERPOOL SUPPORTERS:
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Liverpool fan base in the country have reduced over the years,when they had a stronghold was when Fernando Torres was still their striker and Rafa benitez their gaffer and the success that association brought.
That was a long time ago,since then the Liverpool fan base has reduced,at least it is hard to see a full house-crowds saying they are Liverpool supporters.
Jurgen klopp though is making the fans believe again,all the one's that were in hiding are now coming out to be counted.
One thing the Liverpool fans have in common is their love of history,the one's they read about and were told.
They have never for once stopped considering themselves as a powerhouse in world football.
Even when things started going south for them and some started hiding their identity the bold faces will not fail to remind the Chelsea or arsenal supporters that they are better than you.....even if they don't remember winning any trophy in recent years.....check their trophy cabinet and check yours and you will understand.
At the end,these little banters are what makes the beautiful game exciting!