Sports and European Soccer Fans in Nigeria

Abstract

Sports seem to be an aspect of culture which cuts across all societies. Though it may be principally directed at entertainment and/or leisure, it is embedded with meanings in cultures where it is practised. Soccer, as a sporting event has transcended numerous cultures over the years. Prior to the 1990s in Nigeria, soccer fans were aligned with local clubs. With increasing globalization, fans are exposed more than ever before to the performances of foreign clubs and these have inevitably resulted in a redirection of fans’ alignment with European clubs. Data for the study were collected through in-depth interviews with soccer fans in Nigeria.