One of the stars of the London-based Arsenal Fan TV (AFTV) series, Dr. Kelechi Anyikude, who is also one of Nigeria’s cultural Ambassadors visited Voice of Nigeria in Abuja.
Anyikude, who is from Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria, regularly features on AFTV as “Kelechi,” one of Arsenal’s passionate supporters where he shares his views on the beautiful game of football.
Anyikude is also an Environmentalist and has a doctorate degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering. He is often seen at Arsenal games in outfits of different Nigerian ethnic groups and a talking drum which he beats to cheer his team on.
He shared some of his takes on the recent North London Derby, where his beloved Arsenal were beaten 3-0 by rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
“Everybody knows Tottenham won and we lost, people can win games, we can lose games…it happens,” said Kelechi. “Top 4 is still in our hands, we are one point above them.”
“Win our two games in hand and we are in the Champions League. The referee didn’t have a good game, he didn’t at all. I felt the penalty wasn’t a penalty. The penalty set the tone for the whole disaster.”
His enthusiasm for football is infectious and Nigerians have grown to love and listen to his passionate takes on football. He also spoke about the Super Eagles and the appointment of Jose Peseiro as head coach.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set for International Friendlies against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States in May as a tune up for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in June. Eight (8) NPFL players were selected for the games and Dr. Anyikude highlighted how this development can help the NPFL.
Kelechi said the inclusion of NPFL players in the national team would help discover more talents for the Super Eagles and develop the league. The top two scorers in the NPFL were also included in the squad.
Ishaq Rafiu of Rivers United has 14 goals, while Enyimba’s Victor Mbaoma with 12 are the top scorers in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
