Revealed: 1,863 Nigerian fans still in Russia 6 months after 2018 World Cup

- 1,863 Nigerian fans have refused to come back home after last summer's World Cup

- The Interior Ministry announced that 5,500 citizens are still illegally living in Russia

- Senegalese, Vietnamese and Bangladeshi citizens also have supporters in Russia

1,863 Nigerian fans are still left in Russia after the conclusion the World Cup last summer.

In total, 5,500 supporters across different countries have remained illegally despite being given until December 31 to leave the Eastern European nation.

However a large chunk of football followers numbering up to 12,000 (who had their FAN ID document) obeyed by leaving, but reports say up to 5,500 people are now illegally staying in Russia.

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A reported by the Russian Interior Ministry claimed that the FAN ID scheme was a complete success but after the deadline day, a few thousands were still in the country.

The breakdown of supporters and their country of origin was released by the Interior Ministry press service provider RIA Novosti, on Thursday, January 31.

Nigeria make up the largest number with 1,863 citizens, followed by Vietnam and Bangladesh whose countries did not qualify for the tournament, had 911 and 456 people left respectively.

Senegal who were knocked out of the group stages like Nigeria have an estimated 253 citizens still living in Russia.

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The Interior Ministry added that steps are been taken to expel those living illegally in the country and the exercise is expected to be completed by March.

The migration department head Andrei Kayushin recently said 650,000 fans visited Russia during the competition: “In the main, they were all law-abiding and left the country in their own time.”

According to a report by AP, the remaining fans left in Russia had different reasons for staying back. They claim some have the hope of migrating to other countries including the European Union (EU) or be granted asylum.

The biggest football showpiece was hailed as one the best ever World Cup tournament as France emerged champions after beating Croatia by 4-2 in the finals.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that two Nigerian fans displayed their ankara fabrics for sale on a metallic silver Honda car in an unconfirmed location before the Super Eagles first match against Croatia in Kaliningrad.

A Croatian supporter was pictured having a good look at the popular local fabric driving the Nigerian fashion industry crazy.

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