In a most unexpected fashion, the monotonously passing evening of Sunday, April 2, 2023, swiftly morphed into one of euphoric atmosphere when pockets of shouts, calls, and cheers rent the air. But this was not the characteristic aro or animalistic calls Zikites are known for. This was different, and what more, it was resonated by Zik hall’s neighbours, Indy, and indeed a substantial part of football fans across the world.
What had happened was that earlier in the day, Graham potter, Chelsea’s manager for the past seven months was, speaking euphemistically, released to seek job options elsewhere. Speaking unequivocally, he was sacked from his managerial role at Chelsea. The former manager of Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion has been replaced by former Brighton defender Bruno Dalton, who now serves as the interim head coach.
As news of Potter’s sack filtered through the internet, Chelsea supporters among Zikites could hardly conceal their enthusiastic reaction. Although the excitement that trailed the news has been held by some to be inappropriate, given Potter’s unsavoury condition. Some even go to the point of asking Chelsea fans to not overreact and be empathetic towards the plight of their club’s former manager and his family.
However, Chelsea fans in Zik hall could care less. According to Tolu, one of the celebrating Chelsea supporters, “the news came so sudden and unexpected, I feel like the ‘most happiest’ man on earth.” Another comment from a Zikite, Nelson is, “This is great news. I am so excited.”
Samson Oloyede, popularly known as Samson Law, gave one of the most critical views of the news. He said,
“It is one of the best things that has ever happened since the world was formed because, for example, me, since Potter became Chelsea’s coach, at first I became a casual Chelsea fan then after I stopped being a Chelsea fan, in fact I started supporting Napoli partly due to our star boy Osimhen. But now that Potter has been sacked I am already reconsidering going back to Chelsea. His stay in Chelsea was one of the most ridiculous things that ever happened. It should even be in the Guinness book of records, Potter’s time at Chelsea.”
