The Super Eagles were left virtually without home support during their high-profile clash against host nation Morocco after free match tickets allocated to Nigerian supporters were allegedly sold on the black market, Per Second News has learnt.
A senior official of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), who spoke to Per Second News in Rabat on condition of anonymity, disclosed that tickets distributed to members of the Nigeria Supporters Club and other fans were not used for their intended purpose.
According to the official, the NFF had made arrangements to ensure Nigerian fans gained free access to the stadium in order to boost morale and provide vocal backing for the Super Eagles. Instead, many of the tickets reportedly found their way into the black market, where they were resold for profit.
The consequence was glaring inside the over 65,000-capacity stadium, which was overwhelmingly dominated by Moroccan supporters clad in red, chanting throughout the match with little or no visible presence of Nigerian fans.
“It was embarrassing and deeply frustrating,” the NFF official said. “These tickets were given freely so our team could feel supported on the pitch. Instead, they were sold. Our players looked up and saw a sea of Moroccan fans. That is not acceptable.”
The official expressed anger over what he described as a lack of patriotism and responsibility on the part of the Nigerian fans involved, noting that such actions undermine team spirit and national pride at crucial moments.
Football analysts believe the absence of visible and vocal Nigerian support had a psychological effect on the Super Eagles, particularly in a hostile away environment against a well-supported host nation.
The development has once again raised questions about accountability within supporters’ groups and the need for stricter monitoring of ticket distribution for international fixtures.
As the Super Eagles continue their campaign, stakeholders are calling on fans to place national interest above personal gain and show genuine commitment to supporting Nigeria on the international stage.
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