Nigerian football fans, and especially the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) faithful, are renowned for their passion when it comes to supporting both the national team and their club sides.
They traverse the length and breadth of the country to cheer on their teams, filling stadiums during league matches.
These fans bring their cultural traditions with them, dressing in their club colors and chanting traditional songs to support their teams.
The passion of Nigerian football fans is palpable. Their unwavering support, cultural expressions, and vibrant match-day atmospheres are integral to the fabric of the NPFL.
Each of these clubs boasts a unique fan base, contributing to the rich tapestry of Nigerian football culture.
Here are the top five most passionate fanbases in the NPFL.
The Happy Corner
- Sporting Lagos
Sporting Lagos may have had a short stay in the top flight after their promotion to the NPFL, but their passionate fan base remains a highlight. Match days at their Mobolaji Anthony Arena in Onikan are filled with curated chants and the sound of vuvuzelas.
The stadium also features a ‘happy corner’ where fans enjoy music, drinks, and snacks while cheering, “Let’s go Sporting!”
The ‘Tech Boys' and their supporters will be missed in the new season, but they will continue their traditions in the Nigeria National League.
Kano Pillars fans are the loudest
- Kano Pillars
Kano Pillars arguably boast the most passionate fans in the NPFL.
Their vociferous screams and traditional Hausa folklore chants fill the Sani Abacha Stadium during home matches and are a constant presence at away games.
They usually fill the arena with the traditional Hausa drums called the ‘Kalangu' as they sing and render songs in praise of their clubs and their players.
As one of Nigeria’s traditional clubs, Kano Pillars' fan base is well-organized, with supporters' clubs in every local government area of Kano State.
These supporters travel in large numbers to away games, with Hausa fans residing in various parts of the country coming out in droves to support the club as has ben shown in many away stadiums in the country.
Culture in full effect for Shooting Stars
- Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars, one of Nigeria's oldest clubs, has a strong traditional background that extends beyond Ibadan and into the diaspora.
Fans often wear blue traditional attire to matches, where they sing and dance to revered traditional drums.
They also don flowing gowns in the club’s blue and white colors.
A distinctive feature of their support is the chant of “Up Sootin’,” which has become synonymous with the club and is widely recognized.
Never say die for reigning NPFL championsRangers
- Rangers International
Rangers International, known as the ‘Flying Antelopes,’ have a rich history that continues to grow.
After the civil war, many Nigerians of Eastern origin adopted the club, and this tradition persists. Fans dressed in red and white regalia chant and sing folk songs, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
The phrase “never say die” resonates throughout the stadium on match days as they blow their trumpets and flutes.
The club’s fan base includes many of Eastern origin who passionately support the team.
Nzogbu, nzogbu, Enyimba enyi
- Enyimba
Enyimba, Nigeria's most successful club with two CAF Champions League titles, has a large and passionate fan base.
Their supporters club is well-organized and vocal on match days at the Aba International Stadium, home of Enyimba.
They always scream out the famous chant “Nzogbu Nzogbu Enyimba enyi” which has become synonymous with the club and is recognized worldwide.
While Enyimba has a strong following in Aba, their fan base extends across Nigeria, reflecting the club's geographical and cultural influence across board.
Honourable mentions – Remo Stars, Katsina United and Doma United
