We’re locked out in the rain, intimidated in Addis Ababa – Supporters Club

The Nigerian supporters Club recounted their ordeal in the hands of Ethiopians in Addis Ababa yesterday, claiming that they were locked out of the stadium and made to stay in the rain before they finally allowed only 400 members to provide support for the Eagles in their 2-1 win on Sunday.



But the President General of the Nigerian supporters, Dr Rafiu Ladipo vowed yesterday that they would not pay back the Ethiopians in their own coin when they come calling on November 16 in the reverse fixtures to be played at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.


“We’re not going to pay them back in their own coin. Instead, we will show them love, hospitality and to teach them that violence is not a good in football.

They locked us out but it did not last long. They tried to intimidate us but we refused to bow”, Ladipo the leader of the Supporters said.

Despite his ugly experience, Ladipo said that he brought home a lot of positives from Addis Ababa which Nigerians must emulate and display in the second leg.

“The whole country came out in their country’s colours and it was amazing. They came with big flags and their support was total. I was moved by their patriotism and support. Why cant we emulate Ethiopians and support our Eagles the way they support their team?’’,

Taking a cursory look on the match, the PG, confessed that the Ethiopians nearly gave them a heart attack in the first half with their fluid display but attributed the Eagles colourless play to the effects of altitude.

‘’Altitude didn’t allow Eagles to play well but they showed that they were more experienced and beat them at home which was no child’s play’’.

Ladipo also showered encomiums on President Goodluck Jonathan for making it possible for the supporters to be in Addis Ababa to support the Eagles.

“That he came to visit the team in Addis Ababa was so motivating and that fired up the zeal to win. He has done so well and we are proud of his love for sports’’, Ladipo trumpeted.