By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
Vincent Okumagba, Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Supporters Club, has assured Nigerians that supporters traveling to Morocco for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will present a united, coordinated, and vibrant front. They plan to wear matching apparel, display Nigeria’s colorful green and white, and show the disciplined enthusiasm they’re known for – without the discordant notes or distractions of the past.
In an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12, Okumagba expressed regret over Dr. Rafiu Ladipo’s behavior which is in contrast to the collective interest of the Supporters club. “Regrettably, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo has been parading himself as the President-General of the Supporters Club and engaging with media and corporate bodies in ways that conflict with our plans. This is capable of damaging the image we are trying to build.”
Okumagba emphasized that his emergence as IMC Chairman was a unanimous decision by accredited supporters’ groups. He urged Ladipo to stop actions detrimental to unity: “All six accredited supporters groups came together and elected me as Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC). We therefore ask Dr. Ladipo to desist from actions that further fragment the supporters movement.”
“He’s done his time and should best remain a former chairman instead of running his mouth with falsehoods out there for his own personal benefit,” Okumagba added.
Looking ahead to AFCON, Okumagba said the IMC remains committed to a well-organized outing in Morocco. “We have secured our visas for the trip. A few members who could afford flight tickets have purchased them and are ready to jet out on December 21. The majority are awaiting promises made by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to support supporters for the trip. Accommodation and feeding are very important, and this will be looked into in the next few days.”
He commended the NSC and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for recent logistics support during World Cup playoffs, urging more for AFCON: “Supporters Club haven’t received any form of support from NFF/NSC as of yet, but we are optimistic they will come to our aid. For the first time in over a decade, the NSC took us to Morocco for the playoffs. Though we couldn’t achieve the desired result from the Eagles, supporters had the best treatment ever – flight, accommodation, feeding, stadium logistics, and match tickets all covered.”
Okumagba highlighted further aid prior to the playoffs: over 100 supporters airlifted to Rwanda for a World Cup qualifier win, plus massive NFF/NSC help with travel documents – “something that wasn’t possible before now.” He added, “Having done that during world cup qualifiers and the playoffs, it’s apparent they would do more for AFCON. Promises have been made, so we await their official pronouncement.”
The Nigeria Supporters Club has faced internal divisions and issues that hurt the group, but Okumagba is confident they’re history. “The internal division came about because of a sit-tight mentality of one man. This current unity has been positive for supporters in the few months since it began.”
He credited NFF President Alhaji Musa Ibrahim Gusau, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for fostering unity via an MOU. “As IMC Chairman, we ensure we do the right things as agreed. Things aren’t exactly as expected, but we know it won’t be easy.”
Okumagba concluded resolutely: “There are forces fighting against the unity. Those elders who should encourage us and strengthen the IMC are busy underground to see that we fail. But they will be disappointed. Unity is better than division.”
Leave feedback about this