Mama Joy Chauke, Obuor Lead List of Most Passionate African Football Fans

• Football games pitting African sides are known for the vibrancy and colour on the stands
• The ardent fans often flock to the stands, chanting non-stop for the entire duration of the game
• Sports Brief samples some of the most popular names in African football over the years

African football is widely known for its pomp and colour, with many shades of colours often dominating major tournaments like the just-concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

While the 22 players are going after each other's neck on the pitch, as coaches hurl instructions on the touchlines, a different battle often ensues in the stands where the fans yell, dance, clap and scream for 90 minutes.

Africa's most passionate football fans

Over the years, a specific set of fans has accompanied their national sides at every game. They have stood out for their dressing, choice of painting or dancing styles.

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Sports Brief has sampled some of them in a list we call Africa's most ardent football fans.

1. Samuel Aggrey alias Obuor - Ghana

You will always spot Obuor anytime the Ghana Black Stars is playing. Obuor often paints his whole body in Ghanaian colours and only wears white underwear. He then carries a pot which emits smoke and a placard with the words. 'Awurade Kasa,' which means 'God Speak.'

In 2019, his efforts were recognised with the Best Supporter Award during the AFCON hosted by Egypt, as reported by FAAPA.

2. Ngando Pickett - Cameroon

For more than 40 years, Ngando Pickett, whose real name is Henry Mouyebe, has dedicated his life to following the Indomitable Lions where they play. He has attended 16 Africa Cup of Nations and two World Cups, as captured in an Al Jazeera report.

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Pickett was noticed by Cameroon officials at the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations and has had most of his expenses catered for by FECAFOOT to major tournaments.

3. Ridha Jlassi - Tunisia

Jlassi was voted as the superfan of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Known as Ridha the Elephant, he made his first appearance at the 2006 World Cup. He paints his body with tomato paste in Tunisian colours before he heads out to support the Eagles of Carthage.

4. Mama Joy Chauke

Mama Joy is a household name in South African sports and is one of the leading female voices in the game. She is regular at Bafana Bafana games, including their run to a third-place finish in Ivory Coast, plus the back-to-back Springboks triumphs at the Rugby World Cups.

FIFA chose her as one of the fan ambassadors in 2022.

5. 12eme Gainde - Senegal

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12eme Gainde means the 12th Lion and are the fiercest supporter of Senegal's national team. At every match of the Teranga Lions, you will spot them, planned meticulously in the order of the letters that make up the word Senegal.

For 90 minutes straight, they will sing, chant and beat drums to make sure their team wins every match. It worked like a charm at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Breakout stars of 2023

Sports Brief has also reported on the breakout stars of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Simon Adingra won the Young Player of the Tournament after supplying two assists in the final against Nigeria.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also had a tournament to remember despite the disappointment in the final. He solved the goalkeeping conundrum for Jose Peseiro and almost got them to the trophy.