7 EPL teams with the largest fanbase in Nigeria

Nigeria holds the record for exporting the largest number of African players who participate in the prestigious English top-flight league. This remarkable achievement has significantly contributed to the widespread acceptance and popularity of the Premier League in Nigeria.

Due to its immense global appeal, the league has become a magnet for talent from all corners of the world, attracting players from over 115 different nationalities. As a testament to the league’s immense following in Nigeria, here are the seven EPL clubs that boast the largest fan base in the country.

1. Liverpool F.C.

Liverpool is the English Premier League (EPL) club that boasts the largest fanbase in Nigeria. Despite narrowly missing out on the 2021/22 Premier League title to Manchester City by a mere point, Liverpool’s popularity among Nigerian fans remains unparalleled.

The Reds have a long-standing history in Nigeria, with some of the most devoted supporters. Established 129 years ago on June 3, 1892, Liverpool Football Club has an impressive trophy cabinet, including 19 League titles, three UEFA Cups, eight FA Cups, six European Cups, a remarkable nine League Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, fifteen FA Community Shields, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Currently under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp, a highly successful EPL-winning manager, Liverpool has found its stride. The team boasts exceptional talent, with players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Luis Díaz, Thiago Alcântara, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk gracing the club’s ranks.

2. Manchester United F.C

Manchester United, one of the most widely supported football clubs globally, boasts fierce rivalries with Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Leeds United. In 2016-17, Manchester United held the title of the highest-earning football club, generating an impressive annual revenue of €676.3 million. Furthermore, in 2019, it was recognized as the world’s third-most valuable football club, with a valuation of £3.15 billion.

The club has garnered a significant following in Nigeria, with many Nigerians being diehard fans of Manchester United. It is estimated that one out of every three Nigerian football fans supports the Old Trafford club. In Nigeria, Manchester United stands as one of the two clubs with the largest, loudest, and most passionate fan bases, which continues to grow steadily.

Domestically, the club has an outstanding record, having secured 20 top-flight league titles, 12 FA Cups, six League Cups, and a remarkable 21 FA Community Shields. On the international stage, Manchester United has triumphed in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League three times, as well as claiming victory in the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, each once.

3. Chelsea F.C.

The next football club with the highest number of fans in Nigeria is Chelsea. Alongside Manchester United, Chelsea has the largest and most passionate fan base in the country. If you don’t believe me, just visit any football viewing center or beer parlour in Nigeria and witness the intense verbal clashes between supporters, even during matches where neither team is playing.

It’s quite common to see half of the people watching Chelsea matches at these centers being Manchester United fans, and vice versa. Established on March 10, 1905, Chelsea Football Club has a rich history spanning 117 years. They are the fourth most successful club in English football, having won numerous league titles, European Cups, FA Cups, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups, UEFA Cups, UEFA Super Cups, League Cups, FIFA Club World Cup, and FA Community Shields.

4. Arsenal F.C.

Arsenal’s unbeatable record in the 2002/2003 English Premier League season, where they didn’t suffer a single defeat, garnered them a significant following in Nigeria. To this day, the Gunners remain the only team worldwide to have completed a league season without losing a single game.

While the club’s performance has gradually declined since then, and they are no longer considered top contenders in the EPL, their recent 5th place finish in the 2021-22 season can be attributed to the efforts of their manager, Mikel Arteta. Nonetheless, Arsenal’s loyal Nigerian fans, renowned for their unwavering support, undoubtedly hold onto hope for the team’s resurgence.

Since its establishment 135 years ago in October 1886, Arsenal Football Club has achieved an impressive record, including 13 league titles, 14 FA Cups, two League Cups, 16 FA Community Shields, the League Centenary Trophy, one European Cup Winners’ Cup, and one Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.

5. Manchester City

Manchester City has recently established a presence in Nigeria as well. The Etihad Stadium, with a capacity of 53,000, serves as the club’s home ground. Its recent success can be attributed to its acquisition by wealthy owners from Qatar, setting it apart from the traditional big four clubs.

Under the guidance of Spanish manager Pep Guardiola, Manchester City has thrived and dominated the English Premier League for the past seven seasons. In 2003, the club relocated to the City of Manchester Stadium in east Manchester after playing at Maine Road since 1923. Since adopting their sky blue home shirts in 1894, the club has achieved remarkable success.

Throughout its history, Manchester City has secured nine league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, six FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one European Cup Winners’ Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

6. Newcastle United

Newcastle is one of the EPL clubs that boasts a significant fan base in Nigeria. Following its acquisition by wealthy Saudi owners, the club has been on a steady rise. In the 1980s, Newcastle was a dominant force, led by the legendary Alan Shearer.

Although the club experienced a period of decline, it has recently started to regain its former glory. With its home at the impressive 52,000-seat St. James Park stadium, Newcastle has been a consistent member of the Premier League, only missing out on three seasons since the league’s inception.

Since joining the Football League in 1893, the club has never dropped below the second tier of English football. Newcastle has an impressive trophy cabinet, having secured four League titles, six FA Cups, an FA Charity Shield, and the 1968-69 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. These achievements place them among the top English clubs in terms of trophies won.

7. Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspurs gained significant popularity in Nigeria during the lethal partnership of Harry Kane and Hueng-Min Son. The team’s home stadium, Tottenham Stadium, with a capacity of 63,000, was constructed in 2019 following the demolition of the White Hart Lane.

Despite Kane’s departure to Bayern and the club’s recent lack of silverware, Tottenham still boasts a considerable number of supporters in the country. Notably, Tottenham was the first club in the 20th century to achieve the League and FA Cup Double, triumphing in both competitions during the 1960-61 season.

They continued their success by defending the FA Cup in 1962 and becoming the first British club to win a UEFA club competition, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, in 1963. Additionally, Tottenham secured the inaugural UEFA Cup in 1972, solidifying their status as the first British club to win two different major European trophies.