Discordant beats from supporters clubs worrisome, says Awaziem

Super Eagles’ defender, Chidozie Awaziem feels the inability of the Nigerian supporters clubs to speak in one voice is damaging the efforts of the team at major competitions.
 
Shortly after Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup, a major crack occurred in the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, leading to the emergence of a new group headed by Vincent Okumagba.
 
Soon, two other groups also emerged from the break away group, bringing the number to four supporters clubs in Nigeria.
 
At the Egypt 2019 AFCON, the four groups operated differently, singing different songs and offering different drum beats from four opposing directions.
 

“In the past, their drumbeats usually gave us some inspiration on the pitch, but that is no more. What we hear from the supporters clubs these days are different music with no meaningful impact. Some will be singing and dancing Awilo music, others singing Makossa, while the others will be singing Christian music. They are confusing us, and I think something urgent has to be done to solve the problem with the supporters clubs,” he stated.
   
Awaziem, who plays for Turkish club Caykur Rizespor on loan from FC Porto, also spoke on Super Eagles’ performance in Egypt 2019. “I don’t think we performed badly in this competition. Out of 24 teams, we finished third, which is not a bad result. It would have been better if we got to the final and won, but that is football. We have to fight harder next time, “ he stated.
 
Awaziem joined El-Kanemi Warriors FC in 2014 before he took his soccer trade abroad. He featured in many matches for the Super Eagles here in Egypt after coming on as a replacement for the injured first choice right back, Abdullahi Shehu during the group games in Alexandria.