Football fans have deserted viewing centres following Nigeria’s ouster from World Cup in Russia.
Checks on Thursday in Kafanchan revealed that most of the viewing centres within the metropolis witnessed poor turnout, while the operators lamented low patronage.
Mr Amos Sidi, who operates a viewing centre around Roundabout junction, said the premises had experienced a dramatic low patronage since after the defeat of the Super Eagles on Tuesday.
“A lot of people had lost enthusiasm after Nigeria lost and crashed out of the competition and as such, patronage has also drastically reduced.
“Before now, we used to make an average of N2, 000 to N3,000 daily, but now, one can hardly boast of N1, 000 a day,’’ he said.
Also, Malam Mohammed Saleh, who operates a viewing centre on Bauchi Road, told NAN that football fans in the area had deserted the centre.
Saleh said the fans felt that there was no need spending their money watching other Countries play, while Nigeria was already back home.
“I have heard some of my customers tell me they would rather stay at home and listen to news commentary, or follow updates on their android phones.
“Only a few football enthusiasts and sports betting addicts still patronise the premises and even plead to watch for free,” he said.
Other viewing centres, including those around Yakowa Market road, Garaje and Katsit areas witnessed low patronage with their operators sharing similar experiences.
Meanwhile, football analysts in Kafanchan have lamented the exit of the Super Eagles from the ongoing World Cup in Russia, describing the development as a clear case of marginalisation.
Mr Solomon Ambukson of Jos Street told NAN that the Super Eagles deserved more than they got at the competition and described their last match against Argentina as “cheating”.
“The officials should have called the referee to order which they failed suggesting a clear picture of conspiracy,” he said.
Ms Asabe Musa of Lowcost area said if the situation as witnessed in the Super Eagles’ last match persisted, African teams might be left with no choice, but stop attending subsequent tournaments.
