Russia 2018: AS Roma declares support for Nigeria
The Italian giants tweeted in support of Gernot Rohr’s side ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup.
Italian Serie A side AS Roma has come out to back Nigeria for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Though no player in the Nigerian provisional squad for the World Cup plays for the Italian side, in a tweet on Thursday I Giallorossi wished the Super Eagles good luck in Russia.
‘Italy won't be there, so #ASRoma will be supporting our own players and the #SuperEagles - #ForzaSuperEagles.’
Thanks you @BashirAhmaad - good luck to the squad at the @FIFAWorldCup in Russia. Italy won't be there, so #ASRoma will be supporting our own players and the #SuperEagles 🇳🇬#ForzaSuperEagles https://t.co/YM97D7lqn0
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 17, 2018
The club also retweeted the 30-man Nigeria’s provisional list recently announced by head coach Gernot Rohr.
The #SuperEagles have announced a provisional 30-man squad for the @FIFAWorldCup - with 7 players due to be cut before the final list is submitted.
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 17, 2018
Stay tuned for more updates from the @NGSuperEagles camp ahead of our opening match against Croatia on June 16.#ForzaSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/N2GhcZ8Kd8
Unclear support
There is no clear explanation for AS Roma supporting the Super Eagles.
Two Nigerians play for La Lupa, Nura Abdullahi and Umar Sadiq – none of which has been included in the Super Eagles’ preliminary World Cup squad.
However, both footballers spent last season on loan - Abdullahi at Perugia and Sadiq with Dutch side Naq Breda.
The latest FIFA rankings have been released in Zurich today and the #SuperEagles are unchanged in 47th position. #ForzaSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/NsTVMey4qT
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) May 17, 2018
According to Italian news site TPI, the reason dates back to last month, when La Lupa defeated Barcelona in the Uefa Champions League.
After the match, Roma shared on its social channels the crazy exultation of the Nigerian commentator Mark Otabor after the great comeback of the Giallorossi.
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‘Return flights booked to Lagos to sign @MarkOtabor for @romatv,’ tweeted the Italian side.
From that day, therefore, sympathy was born for the Super Eagles.
🛫 Return flights booked to Lagos to sign @MarkOtabor for @romatv 🇳🇬 #FireInTheBooth https://t.co/bbog3Jb3LV
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) April 12, 2018