The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have successfully resolved the long-standing disputes among the various supporters clubs, a significant step ahead of the Super Eagles’ trip to Rwanda for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Background of the Feud
Since the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria’s supporters clubs have been divided, leading to the formation of six different groups. The Super Eagles Supporters Club was led by Vincent Okumagba, while Rev. Sam Ikpea headed the Nigeria Football Supporters Club. Other groups included:
- Football Fan Club of Nigeria – Led by Kemi Popoola
- Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club – Led by Abayomi Ogunjimi
- Nigeria Eagles Supporters Club – Led by Sunny Gullong
- All Sports Supporters Club – Led by Johnson Dagana
For over a decade, attempts to reconcile these factions were unsuccessful. Even during the 2021 African Nations Cup in Cameroon, Super Eagles players expressed concerns over the lack of unity among the supporters clubs. The need for reconciliation became even more pressing as Nigeria found itself in a challenging position in the qualification race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
NSC and NFF Intervention
Recognizing the impact of disunity, the NSC and NFF convened a meeting on February 13, 2025, at the NFF headquarters in Abuja, bringing together all the supporters clubs’ presidents to elect an interim leadership that would unify the groups for a year.
Election Results
The election saw the emergence of:
- Vincent Okumagba – Chairman
- Peter Abraham – Vice Chairman
- Sunny Gullong – Secretary
- Amaka Okediadi – Financial Secretary
- Johnson Dagana – Treasurer
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by all presidents, officially dissolving the six previous groups to form a single unified supporters club.
Reactions and Next Steps
Speaking with The Guardian, newly elected Interim Chairman Vincent Okumagba acknowledged the pivotal role played by the NSC and NFF in achieving the long-awaited unification.
“We give kudos to the NSC and the NFF because we couldn’t have done it on our own due to ego and selfishness among some members. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to dissolve all previous groups. Other supporters clubs outside the six notable ones have congratulated me and sought inclusivity in the new order.”
Okumagba emphasized the importance of reconciliation and immediate action to unify all factions. “Our first task is to establish a powerful reconciliation committee to ensure everyone is on the same page. For our upcoming trip to Rwanda, we plan to move as a united front, wearing the same apparel and supporting the Super Eagles as one body.”
Looking Ahead
Okumagba also revealed that he would be heading to Kwara State for a reception in his honor, signifying the importance of the unification effort. Moving forward, the interim leadership aims to foster cohesion, ensure inclusive participation, and strengthen the supporters club’s influence in backing the national team.
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The resolution of this long-standing feud marks a new chapter in the history of Nigerian football supporters. The unified supporters club now has the opportunity to create a more vibrant and organized fan base, ultimately boosting morale for the Super Eagles as they embark on their World Cup qualification journey
