Soccer SuperFans

By: Adeniyi Abimbola, Ottawa

I am a proud supporter of the Nigerian soccer team. Soccer to me is more than just a sport that people gather around to watch during big events like the Olympics and the World Cup.

It is rather more of a culture, in which my family/nation cheer to the success of our country playing against the best in the world.

Ever since I was young, I have had aspirations of playing for the Super Eagles, although I moved to Canada that dream layed dormant yet alive. I enjoy watching teams compete because it creates an atmosphere in my reality that really brings the game alive in my eyes. I love soccer, no questions asked, it is the greatest game ever invented. 

I was born in Nigeria, so I find it to be my duty, or rather a calling, to praise our national heroes who play with such honour and grace. Being a Nigerian, I carry a certain ego that Nigeria is the best soccer team alive, just ask my closest friends. We have a certain spirit that is quickly noticed by the broadcasting of drums and professionals gracefully entering into their arena. I support Nigeria, simply because we are the best!

The Fifa World Cup may occur ever 4 years, but to me it feels like eternity. The last World Cup was in Germany in 2006 and it has felt like forever. The World Cup is the most watched sporting event in the world. It unites nations, either friends or rivals to enjoy the magic that Soccer brings to the world. We watch the Cup not because we are interested in viewing players running around a field but because people know the magic behind the game and the unity it creates from a pub in Ottawa, all the way to the stadium.

Some rituals I commit to before the game involve waving my flag around the house for my parents and siblings to add to the soccer atmosphere. I also call as many Nigerian friends (mostly relatives) to tune in, in order to support our team.

In some cases, I may pray or even go to the extreme of fasting. I feel that when I fast, our team performs better. When Nigeria wins, my first confirmation, is my mom screaming and yelling frantically throughout the house. Then of course, the rest of the family joins in and we sing the Nigerian anthem, to keep that spirit alive.

Soccer unites the world and that's what I think the purpose of the FIFA World Cup is. On the other hand, if we lose, I'm quite devastated. Every World Cup I have a vision Nigeria will be the first African team to hoist the cup, and if we don't I still cheer because I know the best is yet to come!