To chart the global spread of football (and its prevalence in Nigerian culture), Vice commissioned me to capture images of fans in foreign football club jerseys and discuss their significance.: Manchester United, Chlesea, Arsenal…Nigerians idolize their European FC’s. But the love for the sport runs much deeper…
"I'm wearing a Real Madrid jersey today, but I'm probably a bigger Arsenal fan. As a dedicated footballer, I feel like I shouldn't have just one jersey. I currently own about six: Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Nigeria.
"I have liked Arsenal since I was a small boy. I just think they play differently. Having supported them since I was very young, owning an Arsenal jersey is very special to me."
“My parents don’t really support me playing football. I got injured a while ago – I broke my hand and it took me three months to recover. So they don’t really support it.
I’m very busy because of school – I even stopped playing. But I’ll start again when I finishing my upcoming exams. I’m a student at Ikeja Senior High School. After I graduate this year I’d like to study economics in university.”
"I love playing football, watching football – I just love everything about football. I've been into it for about 10 years; I play with a local team and also work as a hair stylist.
"I'm actually a Barcelona fan, but Man United are my English team. I'm in love with Barca, but I don't have a Barca jersey. I don't have any Nigerian jerseys because I don't really support a club here. They're not developed. Our government needs to help with this, but I don't know exactly what the answer is."
"I'm a very big fan of Barcelona. I have three jerseys, all from different seasons. I love the way they play, their traditions, and the great players they produce. They play a cool game – I like the way they pass the ball to each other and communicate on the field.
"I just finished secondary school and I'm planning on going to university. I'm sitting my entrance exams in two weeks. I want to go to Enugu State University. I've spent all my life in Lagos, so I want to visit the east of the country.
"Even though I've finished school, I don't have too much time to play football. I have to work, because things are not that easy right now, so I'm working to get some extra cash."