By  Jimoh Babatunde
The inability of the Super Eagles to qualify from its group here in Durban at the ongoing 2010 FIFA World Cup Tuesday night has dealt a big blow to organizer of the Naija Fan Village.

FIFA Fan Fest, Durban: Soccer fans from all over the world gathered at the FIFA Fan park at the Durban beach, a sandy stretch on the city's prestigious Golden Mile, close to beachfront hotels and a short distance away from the Moses Mabhida Stadium.Fans from all over the world congregated at this central beachfront fan park to watch matches and had fun

The  Federal Government and Premium Sports Management Services Limited, sole marketers of the Naija Fan Village in Durban, South Africa, had  concluded arrangements to fly in 1,000 Nigerian fans to cheer the Super Eagles if they had qualified.

The fans, who were selected from all works of life from across the country, were expected to land in Durban, South Africa, base  of the Super Eagles and the location of the Naija Fan Village, if the Eagles had won their match ahead of the 2nd round matches.
The fans were initially expected to arrive  Durban , venue of the Super Eagles match with South Korea on Sunday in time for Nigeria’s last Group B game against South Korea, but had to tarry to see if the Eagles will qualify  fro the 2nd round before jetting in to cheer them.

Speaking on the development, Ms. Nkechi Obi, MD/CEO of Premium Sports Management Services Ltd. (PSMS) said the move was to ensure that the Super Eagles have all the support they need to excel while also give Nigerians an unforgettable experience during the World Cup.

According to her, being the first FIFA World Cup to be staged in Africa, the government’s gesture couldn’t have come at a better time, as Nigeria prepares to celebrate her 50 years of independence. She commended the Federal Government for the initiative, saying that this has shown that it is truly committed to ensuring that the Nigerian team excels at the World Cup.

She expressed the belief that Naija Fan Village would have  afforded  the Nigerian government a unique opportunity to showcase the country to the world, especially since the tournament coincides with Nigeria’s jubilee celebrations, adding that this would have done  the country’s image a lot of good.

On the criteria used in selecting Nigerians for the South African trip, Obi disclosed that those selected included individuals in both the public and private sectors of the economy, including lawyers, journalists, medical doctors, state and federal civil servants, entrepreneurs, and traders, among many others.

She said those selected where chosen based on their deep love and interest for the game of football, but more importantly for their almost fanatical support for the Super Eagles.

The aborted Naija Village in Durban was equipped with excellent facilities including first class lodging accommodation with about 3,500 beds, halls, cafeteria and several kitchens providing both continental and Nigerian dishes.

Other facilities at the centre would have included a swimming pool, gymnasium, a 5,000 capacity outdoor viewing centre, with screens to cater for VIPs, fan Club members and general visitors; mini shopping complex, merchandise stands, exhibition stands, match ticket terminals, church
and mosque, among many others.