Arsenal’s emphatic 5-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter finals has sent shockwaves across the football world and ignited wild celebrations among fans, including some of Nigeria’s biggest celebrities. These stars don’t just wear the jersey for fashion; they live and breathe the North London passion. Here’s a look at five die-hard Nigerian Arsenal supporters who proudly wear their hearts on their sleeves.
1. Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki)
The beloved Nollywood actor has long been a vocal supporter of the Gunners. After Arsenal’s historic victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, Chinedu went viral for passionately reciting the club’s anthem on Instagram.
His deep-rooted love for Arsenal is evident, and he’s even offered advice to Mikel Arteta in past exclusive interviews with BestLagos. For Aki, Arsenal is not just a club, it’s family.
2. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
Veteran actor and style icon RMD is another proud Gooner. He might not often share photos of himself rocking the iconic red and white kit and engages in witty banter during match days. But he will always reach out to his fellow celebrity Arsenal fans to celebrate their club victories. RMD’s elegance and loyalty mirror the class Arsenal has been known for.
3. Falz (Folarin Falana)
The rapper, actor, and activist isn’t shy about his Arsenal obsession. Falz blends his humor with football commentary, often expressing both joy and frustration with the club’s performances.
During the ‘Wenger Out’ era, the rapper expressed his frustration at the team’s performance and called for the resignation of Arsene Wenger. “He needs to go. Expectations are now very low in the club, Wenger is not satisfied with Champions League qualification, that’s not what we are here for. We need a trophy” he once said in an exclusive video interview with this writer.
4. Timi Dakolo
The soulful singer has serenaded fans with his voice and also rallied Gooners with his football takes. Timi who once took his entire family to Emirate Stadium to watch an Arsenal game is an ardent Arsenal fan and was also part of the ‘Wenger Out’ supporters a few years ago as he made it clear that Arsenal’s fate deeply affects him.
In an exclusive interview with this writer at the time, Timi Dakolo sang the praises of ‘The Invincibles’ Arsenal team stating that those were the proud days of being an Arsenal fan. Hopefully, Arsenal’s performance last night brings back those feelings and emotions.
5. M.I Abaga
The lyrical genius of Nigerian rap, M.I has a brain for bars and football tactics. A proud Arsenal fan, he’s known to throw deep references into his verses and join online discussions about the club’s form. Just like Timi Dakolo and Falz, M.I Abaga also lended his voice and called for Arsene Wenger to step down in an interview with this writer.
With Arsenal on the brink of Champions League glory, Nigerian celebrity Gooners are louder than ever. One thing is clear, North London pride runs deep in Naija!
