Nigeria: Stranded Nigerian Fans and Russia As a New Destination

The news of the more than 200 Nigerian football fans that were stranded in Moscow over the last two weeks has embarrassed the entire country. The desperation of many people to escape the harsh economic realities of our dear country led several to purchase one-way tickets to Moscow in the hopes of taking root in that vast country. Many who claim to have been duped of their return tickets would be found to be complicit in the decision to take one-way flights in order to cross the border into the adjoining European countries that seem to offer decent life opportunities. But the realities on ground mean that many have changed their minds, becoming a burden on our collective conscience.

A Nigerian that I met in Sochi came in from Georgia and wanted to stay back in Russia after the tournament. Andy said the economy of Russia would enable him thrive better than poorer Georgia where he played football in a third division club and could barely make ends meet. While the Fan ID does not replace a work visa, Andy was prepared to take his chances as the tournament came to an end and the inevitable sweep of illegal immigrants takes place afterwards. Last we spoke, he was looking for accommodation and expressed relief that the Russian government had validated Fan IDs till end of 2018.

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