Where is Chelsea and Arsenal? Top clubs Nigerians support most

There are lot of top clubs Nigerians support, and most of them are in Europe due to the quality of play

European club football has dominated the African scene for a very long time, and Nigerian fans are heavily included in this.

This does not come as a surprise though. The top European leagues have gotten better over the years with the top-tier packaging, public relations, Merchandising, and of course, billions of dollars pumped into them.

The top five leagues in Europe—England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France—are not just the most competitive on the continent but are widely regarded as the best globally.

Since 1986, only six Ballon d'Or winners have come from outside these elite leagues, underscoring their dominance.

Many of Nigeria’s finest footballers have also made their names in Europe, prompting fans to follow the clubs they represent. This article highlights the top clubs Nigerians support.

For those who enjoy following these clubs closely, BetWinner Nigeria for club football betting fans offers a way to add extra excitement on matchdays while supporting your favourite European teams responsibly.

5. Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the top clubs Nigerians support. The club's Nigerian fanbase surged in the early 2000s, thanks to their consistent success in Europe and a galaxy of stars including Thierry Henry, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Emmanuel Amuneke and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

However, it was the brilliance of Lionel Messi that truly made Barça a household name. Many Nigerian fans became die-hard supporters simply because of Messi's magic on the pitch. Although Barcelona have faced challenges in recent years, they are still one of the top clubs Nigerians support.

4. Liverpool

Liverpool boasts one of the richest histories in European football, and that legacy makes them one of the top clubs Nigerians support. With six UEFA Champions League titles—the most by any English club—the Reds have long been admired.

Legends such as Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Kenny Dalglish, and Robbie Fowler helped cement Liverpool's reputation. Their recent resurgence under Jürgen Klopp has only reignited passion among Nigerian fans, making them one of the most followed teams in the country.

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3. Arsenal

Despite a lack of major trophies in recent years, Arsenal remains a beloved club among Nigerians. Much of this stems from the Arsène Wenger era, which brought a unique brand of football and international flair to the Premier League.

Kanu Nwankwo’s move to Arsenal in 1999 was a game-changer. Already a national hero following his heroics at the 1996 Olympics, Kanu's success in North London drew many Nigerian fans to the Gunners.

Scoring THAT flick
3️⃣ His hat-trick against Chelsea
Becoming an Invincible

Watch Kanu as he looks back on some of the best moments of his Arsenal career

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 17, 2022

More recently, Mikel Arteta’s exciting project has reignited interest, especially among younger fans.

2. Chelsea

Chelsea arguably has one of the largest and most visible fanbases in Nigeria. Walk into any football viewing centre on a matchday, and you'll see a sea of blue shirts.

The club's fanbase exploded after Roman Abramovich acquired the team in 2003 and invested heavily in top players and managers—most notably José Mourinho. Their 2004/2005 title-winning season, where they amassed a then-record 95 points, drew thousands of new Nigerian fans.

Seven years of waiting, and then this!

On this day in 2013, @Mikel_John_Obi scored his first @PremierLeague goal! pic.twitter.com/0UaPXLj4zR

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 21, 2019

The signing of John Mikel Obi, a national star at the time, is a key reason why Chelsea is one of the top clubs Nigerians support.

1. Manchester United

Despite a decade of inconsistency since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Manchester United remains one of the top clubs Nigerians support.

Under Ferguson, United were a dominant force, collecting numerous domestic and European trophies. The presence of global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Ryan Giggs only strengthened their appeal. For many Nigerians, supporting Manchester United became a tradition passed down through generations. Their loyal fanbase has stuck with the club through thick and thin.