President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Manchester United)
Before his ascent to the presidency on 29 May 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu demonstrated his knowledge and admiration for Manchester United during a visit from former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi at his home in Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos, in November 2018. Mikel had come to seek Tinubu’s support for Africa’s Next Football Superstar, a talent hunt programme initiated by the Mikel Obi Foundation.
To Mikel’s surprise, Tinubu revealed that he was a staunch follower of Manchester United, one of Chelsea’s fiercest rivals in the Premier League. “I’m very proud and honoured to receive you, Mikel. I’m a great fan of football, even though I’m not much of a fan of your former club, Chelsea. I sincerely tried to watch Chelsea all the time you were there because you are a great talent. However, Chelsea is not my club; he (Mikel) is my club, and we will support his project. I’m a Man United fan to the core,” the former Governor of Lagos State quoted by PUNCH.
Atiku Abubakar (Arsenal)
Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria, is a devoted Arsenal supporter. He has frequently used the team’s victories to draw parallels with politics and advocate for unity among opposition parties. For instance, Atiku celebrated Arsenal’s thrilling win over Real Madrid in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinal, tweeting, “Arsenal just taught us a lesson in consolidating our strengths in a coalition vehicle. Victory is assured when we stand united.”
Following Arsenal’s Premier League 4-0 triumph over Norwich in 2020, Atiku jokingly remarked that just one more goal would have spelt out his name, “Atiku.” His fondness for Arsenal has been noted by many, and he regularly employs sports analogies to connect with young Nigerians and broader audiences on national issues.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),candidate in the 2023 presidential elections often draws inspiration from football to discuss broader national issues showcasing his passion for the sport and Arsenal. Atiku’s fondness for Arsenal has been noted by many, and he frequently uses sports analogies to connect with young Nigerians and broader audiences on matters of national significance.
Nyesom Wike (Real Madrid)
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, is a passionate supporter of Real Madrid. His dedication to the club is evident in various instances. While serving as governor, Wike hosted a victory party at the Government House in Port Harcourt to celebrate Real Madrid’s Champions League win in 2017. The event featured music and celebratory songs, with many officials donning Real Madrid jerseys.
Wike has further manifested his support by establishing a Real Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt, aimed at nurturing young football talent through quality training and education. With a capacity for 500 boarding students, the academy has already welcomed its first cohort.
As governor, Wike appointed Christopher Green, a former board member of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), as his special adviser on the Real Madrid Academy, underscoring his commitment to its success. He views the academy as a legacy project for Rivers State, designed to foster youth development and produce talented footballers.
Aliko Dangote (Arsenal)
Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has been an Arsenal fan for over 30 years, inspired by former vice-chairman David Dein. He has expressed regret over not purchasing Arsenal when he had the opportunity, prioritising the completion of his refinery project instead. Despite not acquiring the club, Dangote remains a devoted supporter, watching their matches and publicly expressing his enthusiasm.
Dangote’s interest in buying Arsenal dates back to 2010, during which he attempted to acquire a 15% stake, but deemed the asking price too high. As the wealthiest person in Africa, with an estimated net worth of $28.1 billion as of March 2025, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, and $23.8 billion according to Forbes, his passion for the club remains unwavering.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki (Arsenal)
Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President of Nigeria, is an avid supporter of Arsenal. He has been spotted at various matches, including the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Saraki even shared his excitement on social media, posting a photo at the stadium with the caption, “Thrilled to be here at the Emirates Stadium tonight for the Champions League Quarterfinal, Arsenal vs Real Madrid! Let’s go Gunners! #COYG #ARSRMA #UCL.”
Following Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid, Saraki met with Bukayo Saka, posing for photos and showing his support. Described as a long-time supporter, Saraki’s loyalty to Arsenal has been praised by fans, with many noting his dedication.
Babatunde Raji Fashola (Manchester United)
Babatunde Raji Fashola, the former Governor of Lagos State, is a notable Manchester United fan. His fandom is evident in various instances, including his birthday celebrations featuring a Manchester United-themed cake. In 2013, Fashola celebrated his 50th birthday with a cake dedicated to the team.
In 2008, Fashola hosted then-Man United captain Rio Ferdinand during a two-day tour of Lagos, where Ferdinand received the title of “Chief Fiwagboye” from the traditional ruler of Lagos, King Rilwan Akiolu. Fashola’s support for Manchester United has been publicly acknowledged and reported, showcasing his loyalty to the club.
Dino Melaye (Arsenal)
Dino Melaye is another prominent Arsenal supporter. His love for the team has led him to openly criticise manager Mikel Arteta for the club’s struggles. After a disappointing loss to Newcastle, Melaye took to social media in an Arsenal jersey, singing a song that blamed Arteta for the team’s woes.
In a more humorous moment, Melaye lifted a customised Arsenal drinking cup, shouting “Arsenal” with unbridled enthusiasm, a video that quickly went viral. His creative expressions of support have made him a beloved figure among fans.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Arsenal)
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is also an Arsenal fan. He hosted Bukayo Saka at the State House, where Saka gifted him a signed jersey. The governor expressed pride in being an Arsenal supporter and pledged to support grassroots football in Lagos, inspired by the young team’s performance.
Sanwo-Olu’s enthusiasm for Arsenal is evident in his interactions with players and other representatives of the club, solidifying his reputation as a devoted fan.
Festus Keyamo (Arsenal)
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is another notable Arsenal supporter. He has been spotted attending matches at the Emirates Stadium, including a game against Queens Park Rangers in 2014. Keyamo’s public displays of support for Arsenal have further solidified his reputation as a dedicated fan.
While it is not an offence to support any club of one’s choice—especially given Nigeria’s laws that promote freedom of association and expression—the implications of Nigerian leaders openly favouring foreign football clubs can hinder the growth and development of the domestic football league and local talents. When leaders prioritise foreign clubs, local teams suffer from inadequate funding and support, hampering their ability to develop infrastructure, attract top talent, and compete internationally.
Also, the absence of leaders at local league matches can lead to declining fan interest and attendance, exacerbating the financial struggles of local clubs. Nigerian players may prefer foreign clubs, viewing them as more prestigious and lucrative, depriving local teams of their best talents. The underdevelopment of local football infrastructures, such as stadiums and training facilities, cannot be unconned to lack support from political and business leaders in the country and this has over the years stifle the sport’s growth in Nigeria.
The lack of support for local clubs hinder the development of young players, coaches, and other stakeholders, ultimately affecting the performance of Nigerian teams in international competitions.
