How a Nigerian team battled the odds to play at the Socca World Cup in Hungary
Visa denials didn't stop a Nigerian team from participating at the Socca World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, this past week. The team was made up of Nigerian amateur footballers and fans in diaspora. The event was organized by the International Soccafederation. There were 42 teams from all over the world. It was organised by HIVE Leagues.
Socca Naija played four matches in Hungary and won two and lost two. They lost their opening game to Oman 3-0 but bounced back to defeat Algeria 2-1. However, they lost 7- 0 to Germany and finished fourth in their group. Brazil won the championship. Germany finished in fourth place.
The HIVE Leagues helps to create opportunities for enthusiasts to play organised football at an amateur level. Koko hopes that they will be able to participate in the next edition in Germany with the Socca Naija contingent intact.
