President-general of Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo has accused the country’s soccer leadership of neglecting him and his members during the World Cup, which he says accounted for their inability to follow the Super Eagles fully.
Ladipo alleged that top shots of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did not carry the supporters club along, but says he was able to get them recognition for the last group match against Argentina after personally writing to FIFA and the competition’s local organising committee.
Ladipo insisted that neglect from the NFF led to his members going through tough times in Russia, where he said they faced very expensive accommodation and transport fares.
He further accused top shots of the soccer governing body of lack of respect and disregard for the club.
Ladipo also criticised a particular NFF top official of undermining the supporters’ club just because he did not want to see them in Russia.
He said: “We sacrificed everything to be in Russia because we believe the Eagles can make the country proud and we want to be part of the success story.
“I love football and I’m passionate about it. We also contributed individually to ensure that the national team don’t lack our support during their matches. We don’t want any money from them but they should at least recognise our presence.
“We know that our relationship with the NFF has not been cordial, and they don’t want to see our faces.
“We have worked with many NFF boards but the current one has not supported us; it is the worst we have worked with.”
