Russia bans Nigerian fans from bringing lucky-symbol live chickens inside stadium

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Live chickens, the symbol of good luck for Nigerians for football matches, will be missing, when the fans of the African Super Eagles cheer on their team's debut against Croatia on Saturday.

Russian authorities banned the fowl for safety concerns, even though this is a common ritual for Nigerians at football matches. Usually, chickens with their claws bound by black tape were dyed in the green and white colors of their national flag and players would hold them aloft, leading crowd in a chant.

June 15, 2018: Midfielder Joel Obi of the Nigerian men's national football team training for their upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D match against Croatia, at Kaliningrad stadium, in Kaliningrad, Russia. /VCG Photo

Andrei Yermak, culture and tourism minister in Kaliningrad where the match would be held Saturday, said "fans from Nigeria asked whether they could bring a chicken to the stadium. It's their symbol and people support the team with them at all the games."

"It was explained to the fans that according to safety regulations, it is not permitted to enter the stadium with live animals."

If Nigerian fans want to support their team elsewhere, Yermak said a government advice hotline can "advise them where to buy a chicken. We're prepared to satisfy even the most eccentric requests."

Nigeria faced a similar refusal at the 2010 World Cup. Nigerian fans were reportedly angered that their chickens weren't allowed into the stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.