In many public places in the Russian city between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic Sea, Nigeria have gained support from many football fans here ahead of their Group D opener against Croatia. The Super Eagles need a psychological boost ahead of the testy encounter, and they have gained more than expected from motorists, traders and World Cup volunteers here. Although no commercial motorists will give any Nigerian a free ride, they have a lot of praise for you.
Some Russian fans stormed Mecre Hotel to express their support for the Eagles on Friday while others did that in the streets and public places.
Some of them have gone on to predict a 2-0 victory for the three-time African champions, insisting their fellow Europeans are no match for the Eagles.
A taxi driver Cheryshev Golov, who spoke to our correspondent in passable English, said they are rooting for the Eagles because of their big-name players.
“We love Mikel (Obi), (Wilfred) Ndidi, Victor Moses and (Kelechi) Iheanacho,.
Okocha, Kanu and Taribo West are very popular in Kaliningrad. We love them. Nigeria will beat Croatia.” He said.
Also, volunteers and some of the policemen at the stadium are supporting the Eagles to run out winners.
One of the policemen, who refused to disclose his name (everything is written in Russian here), said Croatia have only three players to rely on against Nigeria with many stars.
He said, “Iwobi, Mikel, Ndidi, (Odion) Ighalo are good players. Croatia only have Lukas Modric, Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Rakitic. Nigeria are a very good; they will win.”
