UNIZIK Students, Ifite Residents Flood Streets Chanting ‘Messi’
By Ebubechukwu Onyekwelu
An adequate number of ifite residents a popular student area in the outskirts of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, on Tuesday evening flooded Ifite Road from Don Greg Park to Miracle Junction, chanting “Messi” and waving phone flashlights in celebration of Argentina’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Egypt at the FIFA World Cup.
According to Victor, a resident of Ada-Jesus Lodge, Ifite, the celebration was a victory chant by Messi fans after Argentina’s comeback win over Egypt. He said the supporters were celebrating Lionel Messi and jokingly “peppering” Ronaldo fans after the victory. He further stated that Argentina has now qualified for the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Obinna Michael, a Ronaldo fan, said he would not say much about the celebration, adding that it was the Messi fans’ moment to celebrate.
“They won today. Hopefully, next time our team will win and celebrate more than this,” he said.
Similarly, another resident, John, who did not want his real name published, said the celebration was expected as many people anticipated Argentina’s victory. He noted that Egypt led 2–0 in the first half and that Messi missed a penalty before Argentina came from behind to win 3–2 and qualify for the quarter-finals.
As of the time of filing this report, the celebrating crowd had reached Miracle Junction with phone flashlights switched on, while some had removed their shirts as they continued chanting “Messi” before returning towards Don Greg Park and the UNIZIK Ifite gate.
Meanwhile, the celebration attracted the attention of other residents, with some watching in surprise while others joined the jubilant crowd.
