Racism remains a dark stain on European football, with many African players enduring abuse from the stands. Despite FIFA and UEFA’s efforts to curb discrimination, racist chants continue to mar the game.
Nigerian footballers, some of whom are among the continent’s finest exports, have unfortunately not been spared. From stadiums in Italy to England and Spain, these players have faced hostile environments simply because of their skin color.
Here are three Nigerian footballers who have suffered racist abuse while playing in Europe:
1. Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy)
Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s prolific striker, has been a target of racist abuse in Serie A. In 2022, during Napoli’s match against Fiorentina, Osimhen was subjected to racist chants from sections of the crowd. Despite the abuse, he responded with a passionate goal celebration, emphasizing resilience in the face of discrimination.
More recently, in 2023, Osimhen was again the victim of racist mockery—this time from his own club’s official TikTok account. A video appearing to ridicule him sparked outrage, highlighting the racial undertones that persist in European football, even within club environments.
2. Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal, Spain)
Samuel Chukwueze, the skillful winger who dazzled La Liga with his pace and dribbling, also encountered racism during his stint in Spain.
In February 2023, while playing for Villarreal, Chukwueze was subjected to racist jeers from a Mallorca fanduring a league match. The incident was part of a broader problem in Spanish football, where players of African descent frequently report racial abuse from the stands.
Despite this, Chukwueze has continued to shine, letting his performances speak louder than the hateful chants directed at him.
3. Wilfred Agbonavbare (Rayo Vallecano, Spain)
Wilfred Agbonavbare, a Nigerian goalkeeper, played for Rayo Vallecano in the early 1990s. During the 1992–93 La Liga season, he was subjected to severe racist abuse from Real Madrid fans. Chants like “Negro, cabrón, recoge el algodón!” (“Black bastard, go pick cotton!”) were directed at him.
In a live television interview, a Real Madrid supporter blamed “that fucking nigger from Rayo” for their team’s defeat, while another fan threatened violence against Agbonavbare.
Despite these provocations, Agbonavbare maintained his professionalism, stating, “That’s normal; I am dark-skinned and having made many saves, I expected people to shout at me.” His resilience made him a symbol of the fight against racism in Spanish football.
Racist abuse in European football remains a pressing issue, with Nigerian players among those who continue to suffer its effects. While governing bodies impose fines and stadium bans, the persistence of these incidents suggests that deeper systemic changes are needed.
Until then, players like Osimhen and Chukwueze will have to keep battling not just defenders, but also the ignorance and prejudice that still exist in the sport.
