Mayowa Adeshina finds himself at the barbershop on a Sunday afternoon with a half-finished shift, in part due to his passion for soccer. Like many West Africans, Adeshina lives for European soccer, particularly the Premier League, with a strong following in Nigeria. Fans gather at viewing centers to watch their favorite teams play, with Arsenal being a particularly popular choice for Adeshina. He became a fan in the late 1990s, influenced by his older brother and the presence of Nigerian players like Nwankwo Kanu in the team.
The connection between Adeshina and Arsenal runs deep, especially with the club’s current roster featuring English prospects of Nigerian heritage, such as Bukayo Saka. Saka, who grew up in a Nigerian family in London, represents a special connection for fans like Adeshina who share his Yoruba background. This personal connection adds another layer of excitement and loyalty to the team, as seen in Adeshina’s enthusiastic celebration of Saka’s goal against Tottenham Hotspur.
For Adeshina and many others, watching soccer matches at viewing centers is a communal experience that brings people together in shared excitement and camaraderie. The atmosphere is lively, with fans of all ages and backgrounds coming together to cheer on their favorite teams. These viewing centers provide a space for fans to immerse themselves in the game, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts who share their passion for soccer.
Despite the fact that Adeshina should be at work, he has chosen to take a break to indulge in his love for soccer. His boss, familiar with the routine of employees prioritizing games over shifts, allows him to watch the match with his friends at the barbershop. This demonstrates the widespread influence and hold that soccer has in West African communities, where even work schedules can be rearranged to accommodate important games.
The popularity of European soccer in West Africa, particularly the Premier League, has created a vibrant subculture of fans who support teams like Arsenal with unwavering loyalty. For fans like Adeshina, soccer is more than just a game – it is a way of life that brings joy, excitement, and a sense of belonging. This shared passion for soccer transcends borders, uniting people from different backgrounds in a shared love for the beautiful game.
As Adeshina watches his favorite team play, clad in their iconic red-and-white jersey, he is part of a global community of fans who come together to celebrate the sport they love. Whether at viewing centers, bars, or street restaurants, soccer fans in West Africa gather to support their teams and share in the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. For Adeshina and many others, soccer is not just a pastime – it is a passion that binds them together in a shared experience of joy and camaraderie.
