Premier League giants Liverpool FC have joined a growing list of European clubs and leagues in celebrating Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, even as the Reds nursed the pain of their midweek UEFA Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.
On Wednesday, Liverpool shared a post on their official Facebook page to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day, using a popular Naija song and Pidgin English to send warm wishes to Nigerian fans.
The gesture mirrored similar tributes from clubs like Sevilla, Real Betis, and the German Bundesliga, who also recognised Africa’s most populous nation on its national day.
The celebration came barely hours after Liverpool fell 1-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul, with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen scoring the only goal of the match — his first of the season in the Champions League.
While Liverpool currently have no Nigerian player in their squad, the club’s Independence tribute sparked excitement among Nigerian football fans online.
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Many took to social media to applaud the gesture, describing it as “heartwarming,” while others teased the club over their loss to Osimhen’s Galatasaray just a day before.
“Naija no dey carry last, even Osimhen show una yesterday,” one fan commented under the post. Another added: “Respect to Liverpool for celebrating Nigeria, even though a Nigerian striker just gave them heartbreak.”
The post has since generated wide engagement, reflecting the strength of Liverpool’s fanbase in Nigeria, one of the club’s biggest international markets.