Members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club have been promised full cooperation regarding issuance of visas and other logistics by the Russian Embassy in Nigeria.
Over 500 members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club are expected to depart for Russia with about same number expected from other parts of the word to cheer the Super Eagles at the global rendezvous, which kicks off on June 14, 2018.
The National Chairman of the Supporters Club, Rev. Samuel Ikpea, who led a delegation to the embassy of Russia in Abuja following invitation at midweek, was reassured that there would be no hitches in issuance of visas, considering the high discipline and credibility displayed by Nigerian supporters in the past.
Speaking on behalf of the Russian Ambassador in Nigeria, Evans Lydkin, who is a top official, said efforts are on towards issuing visas to the supporters.
Lydkin said the embassy, Russians and the world are abreast with the uniqueness, flamboyance and discipline of Nigerian supporters, hence they will be fully welcomed in the European country.
An elated Ikpea thanked the Russian Embassy for past and present cooperation with members of the supporters club, rated highly by FIFA, World Football Governing body.
He said: “We cannot really thank the Russian Embassy enough but we must assure them that Nigerian supporters would not disappoint in any way.
“We’re committed to fully cheering the Super Eagles to success at the World Cup.
“The Super Eagles are targeting to make history in Russia and the supporters are fully ready to motivate and mobilise them from Group D games against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina till we beat all others to the 21st World Cup.”
Ikpea was given a special gift by the Embassy of Russia official after pledging that supporters would abide by all conditions and rules of the Embassy and indeed Russia.
Meanwhile, Ikpea has been given a special award by the Society For Advancement of Credible Leadership.
The Director-General of the body, Ambassador Jonny Benjamin, said the award, presented in Lagos, was in appreciation of Ikpea’s dynamic leadership.