National chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Reverend Samuel Ikpea has stated that the big regret he and his members had from the 2018 World Cup was the Super Eagles’ exit in the group stage of the global soccer showpiece.
Although Ikpea admitted that this year’s World Cup is memorable in various aspects, on and off the field, he stressed that it would have been a happier outing for the supporters had the Eagles at least reached the round of 16.
Ikpea also stressed that no authentic member of the Supporters Club was stranded in Russia, as he says the group is highly organised group and ensured that their members that went to Russia returned before last Sunday’s final between France and Croatia.
Consequently, the Supporters Club national chairman said on arrival from the Mundial that over five hundred members of the group from Nigeria and other parts of the world thoroughly enjoyed their stay in Russia.
The Edo State indigene further acknowledged that the Russians rubbished all pre-World Cup fears and negative impressions the world had about their country.
Ikpea added: “For the Supporters Club Russia 2018 has given us more interesting and unforgettable impression about the country. It was the smoothest World Cup we have had regarding Fans ID and other logistics.
“Things were professionally sorted out at the embassy and we discovered a very friendly and hospitable Russia.
“They were friendly, accommodative and sincere in all their dealings with visitors throughout the World Cup.
“Our only regret was that our dear Super Eagles got eliminated from the World cup too early but the accommodative nature of our hosts is great consolation.
“It is our strong wish that hosts of other major sporting events emulate the Russian example towards creating the much needed friendship and unity through sports.”
