Splinter groups in supporters club is about pride, ego and selfishness - Rev. Ikpea

Splinter groups in supporters club is about pride, ego and selfishness - Rev. Ikpea

Welcome to another edition of the ever-exciting SUN SPORTS LOUNGE.

Our guest is the soft-spoken and amiable National Chairman of Nigeria and Africa's foremost football fans group, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, REV(AMB). SAMUEL OYAMEDA IKPEA.

He spoke with AKEEM BUSARI on the challenges, excitements of leading the NFSC, as well as, the ways forward for Nigeria football.

Enjoy the interview..

Please introduce yourself to our esteemed readers..

I am Reverend (Ambassador) Samuel Oyameda Ikpea, the Chief Executive Officer of Great Dynamic Talents Limited and the National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club.

As the National Chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, how would you describe the challenges of leadership and the joy, too?

The challenges of leadership is an admixture of bitter and sweet experiences. At all times, we must all look up to God for wisdom and direction. Leading a big club like the Nigeria Football Supporters Club is no piece of cake. You discover that most of the challenges are on your head and you must not be overwhelmed. However, the greatest joy is when any of our various national teams come out victorious in their games.

The NFSC is over 60 years now. What're some of the plans to reposition it for better services to Nigeria?

Repositioning the NFSC is a collective task. In 2025, the NFSC would be 70 years since it was founded. And the planning committee for the celebrations are yet to unfold their plans. However, I am sure the planning would be designed in the best interests of the club and the general public.

You're a great football enthusiast. Growing up, did you played football?

Yeah, I played football at the amateur level and never played it professionally. My decision to join the NFSC is to see how I can still be relevant and be able to contribute to the game. I love football. And I would continue to do anything within my capacity to promote its growth and development.

Today, there are several splinter groups of supporters club. What's the ways forward?

It is a sad thing that today, we have several groups of individuals parading as supporters clubs. It is a shame too, that most of them don't know what supportership is all about. They don't know what we do behind the scenes and during tough matches. Sometimes we go into spiritual and motivational modes, with songs and dances to motivate our players to victories.

I believe the only way forward is for Nigeria to have a unified supporters club. And this must be done by genuine stakeholders in football. Unfortunately, most of the so-called supporters club that broke away from the NFSC, don't have new songs or anything different from what have been doing at the NFSC. I advise that everyone should drop their pride, ego and selfishness, you come back to the mother body, which is the NFSC.

Do you still think the Super Eagles can qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Yeah, I am very optimistic that the Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup. But the players and coaches, must come up with their best performances. I tell you, it would be unfair to Nigerians, if the Super Eagles fails to qualify for back to back World Cup.

I know the board of the Nigeria Football Federation led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau are doing their best for Nigerian football. I believe that with the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director-General, Bukola Olopade, this combination can work together to ensure the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup.

Let's digress a bit, what's your favourite food?

I love good foods. It could be anything, I feel like eating at a particular time. There's no particular favourite food for me.

If you want to go on holidays, where is your favourite location both home and in Nigeria?

Can you recall a particular moment of joy or pain, as a football supporter?

(Sighs) Hmmm, I can't forget the day the Super Eagles lost in the quater-finals of the AFCON in Mali. It was indeed, a day of sadness and disappointment. We had expected our boys to go far and win the tournament.

Much more, I can happily recall the joy and happiness when Nigeria won the AFCON in South Africa, the Olympic games football gold medal in Atlanta, USA and many other sweet moments. We thank God for everything.

I am a well-travelled person. It is difficult to pick a favourite holiday spot. However, Brazil, Spain and of course, Nigeria, are tops for me.

What's your view about the Nigeria Premier league?

The Nigeria football league is presently going through a very positive revolution.. The NPFL led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye is working assiduously to ensure that trust and confidence returns to the local game.

And with the support of the NFF, the league will get better. However, I think there's the need for advanced technology to be introduced into our league, to make it more attractive and reliable. We need the introduction of VAR and goal line technology, in order to give credibility to the league.

What's yourfavourite colours?

My favourite colour is white. I love the white colour so much.

How would you describe yourself as a person?

(Smiles broadly) I am God-fearing person. I love helping the less privileged people and that's why I belong to several foundations and humanitarian organisations. I believe God is love. And we must show and share love amongst ourselves, at all times.

Thanks for your time sir.

Thanks my brother. And I pray that God in His infinite mercies shall continue to make peace, unity, love and progress reign in Nigeria.

-Culled from SportingSun