[SPORTS] EXECUTIVE FAN-ZONE: NOTABLE NIGERIANS AND THEIR FAVORITE CLUBS

 The exploit of some notable Nigerian football stars in European football leagues across the world greatly increased the interest of Nigerians in following the European Leagues. Even those who are not ordinarily football fans also pitch their tent with one European club or the other. Though, the presence of a Nigeria football star in a particular club or their favorite  soccer star or even the Manager could ignites followership for the Club. However, followership of European clubs has, no doubt reached enviable height in Nigeria. Thus, very busy Business Executives, top political office holders are not left out in this fancy trend. We look at some prominent Nigerians and their favorite European clubs in this ‘Executive Fan Zone’ 

MR JIM OVIA

An astute Businessman and distinguished former Bank Executive, lot of people will ordinarily argue that this gentle man will hardly have time to watch football with his business pedigree and tight schedules. We have it on good source that Mr Jim Ovia is an ardent ‘Catalan’, a Barcelona FC fan in the La liga , Spain. His love for Lionel Messi is unwavering we are made to know.

TONY ELUMELU

The Chairman of Heirs Holding and undoubtedly face of UBA Plc till date even outside any active role in the Bank, Mr Tony Elumelu is another world respected Businessman, he hardly have time for himself because of his many businesses timetable which are scattered all around the world. He seldom shows he loves football but many who are in the know disclosed that he admires the likes of Kanu Nwankwo who perhaps many believed made Arsenal Football Club popular in Nigeria, hence his love for the Emirates side is huge. 

 DR MIKE ADENUGA

For long he has not hidden his love for the Biggest Club in English Premiership, Manchester United, he has in that regards entered into business partnership with the Club together with his telecommunication giant, Globacom in the past. Otunba Adenuga hardly goes out to any occasion, thus, he dedicates more time to watch matches of Manchester United when he’s not at work. The Billionaire love for football is unparalleled, he has shown that right from when Globacom started supporting Nigerian National teams, little wonder he has continued to show his interest in the Old Trafford giant.  

ROCHAS OKOROCHA

A politician who has over the years shown that he has huge followers with his popular Slogan ‘My People My People’ while he gets a response of ‘My Governor My Governor’. The Imo State Governor though has shown little or no support for the State’s Local Football Club, Heartland of Owerri but those who are close to him spoke well of his love for Manchester United. He is a lover of English Premiership, he has watched couple of Man U matches Live at the stadium in England.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA

A footballer himself, he regularly plays the game every week at the Eagle Club, Surulere, Lagos, even while he was a Governor of Lagos State. The present Minister of Power, Works and Housing is a staunch believer in Manchester United, he follows them religiously. In the past , he has brought in some stars of the team including Rio Ferdinand to show how much he supports the club. Not only that, Fashola has been at Old Trafford severally to be among the crowd cheering his favorite team.

ALIKO DANGOTE

African richest man, Billionaire Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a Philantropist, his undiluted support for Arsenal made him push at a time to buy over the famous English Premiership side. Though very busy, Alhaji to those who know him very well, he is a specialist in dedicating time for everything he needs to do and get result. He attend social events, meetings regularly, family issues and still have time to watch his darling side, Arsenal FC. Close source disclosed that, he is still on the trail of buying over the Emirate side in the future. 

ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR

Former Vice President of Nigeria, very rich and has businesses across Nigeria. A politician with huge followers, his passion for Arsenal FC is undiluted and unblemished. On several occasions he has stormed the Emirate Stadium dorning his Arsenal Jersey to support his team. He shows it excitedly on the social media anytime the Arsene Wenger tutored side triumph especially in any tough encounter. Atiku is die-hard Arsenal fan.

ROTIMI AMEACHI

Former Rivers State Governor and now Minister of Transport according to many is a Jolly good fellow, regardless of the attacks he has gotten in the political terrain he controls good crowd anywhere he his. Like Atiku the former President, Ameachi roars for Arsenal team, he used to watch matches of Arsenal with wife and close associates at times according to source. He also has a record of supporting Nigeria football National teams in the past, the politician has also traveled to have a glimpse of their matches Live.

BUKOLA SARAKI

The Senate President is another Emirates Club supporter, he has not hidden his love for Arsenal FC, couple of times, he has celebrated the club openly on his social media platform. The former Kwara State Governor according to source watches almost every Arsenal games unless national assignments calls.  

MUIZ BANIRE

A three-time Commissioner in Lagos State and National Legal Adviser of APC, Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), to many does not seems to like football, but the love his children exhibited regularly for Chelsea FC has ignited his love to the Club. He is now a follower of the Stamford Bridge club, even though he has little time to watch their matches, he reads the mood of his children to know if the club wins or lose.

LADI BALOGUN

A Young but creatively endowed business oriented man, the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank Plc is one of the most quiet achievers in the Banking industry. Of course, he creates time to relax and watch his favorite European Football club, Arsenal. According to information, the advent of Kanu Nwankwo at the Club many years back influenced his love for the style of game played by Arsenal

MUSILIU OBANIKORO

Former Minister of Defence and popular politician, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro needs little or no introduction. A huge crowd puller, Obanikoro love for Arsenal is well known among his friends, they are fond of mocking him anytime the Arsene Wenger team loses but yet his support for the Club is maintained. 

ALLEN ONYEMA

The Managing Director of Air Peace is quite unpopular among the above names but he is a big player in Nigeria business circle at the moment. The Airline he sits atop his doing very well and he is a talk of the town. Onyema is one of the very few fan of London Club, Tottenham Fc, though the club could be said to have least of supporters among the top clubs in the Premiership but the current season performance could swell their fan base if they are able to maintain the top three position they presently occupy.