Contrary to widespread social media reports, Nigeria are not the first country to attend the Africa Cup of Nations without supporters, Soccernet.ng can exclusively report.
Claims circulating on platforms such as Instablog and Mr Nigerian Football suggested that the Super Eagles were competing at AFCON 2025 in Morocco without any official fans in attendance.
However, the Deputy President of the All Supporters Club of Nigeria, Alhaji Alao, has firmly dismissed the reports as false.
Speaking exclusively to Soccernet.ng in Morocco, Alhaji Alao revealed that Nigerian supporters are already present in the host country, while more fans—including official band members—are currently en route.
“That news is a big lie,” Alao said. “I am the Deputy President of the All Supporters Club, and I am here in Morocco. Members of the Interim Management Committee are here, and officials of the supporters’ groups are also present.”
Why Nigerian sections appear empty vs Tanzania
Nigeria’s opening group game against Tanzania sparked online debate after noticeable vacant seats appeared in sections usually occupied by Nigerian fans, with no visible drum bands or trumpeters.
According to Alhaji Alao, the situation was due to logistical challenges surrounding ticketing and seating arrangements for the band boys, not the absence of supporters.
He explained that while some band members gained access into the stadium, others were denied entry, forcing supporters’ leaders to seek intervention from the National Sports Commission (NSC).
NSC sponsors band boys’ travel
Alhaji Alao disclosed that the NSC stepped in to sponsor 18 band boys across various registered supporters’ groups, including three from the All Supporters Club.
“The NSC has sponsored the band boys — trumpeters and drummers,” he said. “They left Nigeria this morning. Some are already in Casablanca, some are on flights, and others are on their way to Fes.”
He assured fans that the Super Eagles will enjoy full vocal and instrumental backing when they face Tunisia on December 27.
“For the next game, we promise everybody will be in the stadium — including the band boys,” Alao added.
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Supporters already in Morocco
The supporters’ leader further stressed that Nigeria was never without fans at the tournament, noting that although turnout was limited against Tanzania, Nigerian supporters were still present inside the stadium.
“There were few fans against Tanzania, but Nigerians were there,” he said. “Some supporters arrived earlier, others are still coming.”
‘Nigeria is not without fans’
Alhaji Alao concluded by urging Nigerians to disregard reports claiming the Super Eagles have no supporters at AFCON, describing the story as fake news.
“I want Nigerians to know that Nigeria is not without fans at this AFCON,” he said. “That story is completely false.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will tackle Tunisia tomorrow, and many will be on the watch for these supporters to cheer on the Nigerian team during the game.
