Nigerians have warned LaLiga side Sevilla to honour their promise of a trial for amateur footballer Osineye Ayotunde after his social media post surpassed the club’s 100,000 retweets target on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Ayotunde, popularly known as ‘Ola Great’ on social media had approached the Spanish club on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday requesting for a trial, with Sevilla promising him an opportunity if their response reached 100,000 retweets. The post has since garnered over 140,000 retweets, with more than 55,000 coming in the first 23 hours.
The attacking midfielder, who plays for Superstar FC in the Lagos Liga, expressed gratitude after reaching the milestone.
“Thank you to everyone that made this happens, Thank you Twitter NG for this. My heart is full of so much emotion right now. All I can say is THANK YOU!!! I will be ready,” Ayotunde wrote.
However, by Wednesday, Nigerians have grown increasingly impatient with Sevilla’s silence since the target was met.
“So whatsup with the update???? Dey don sign am already abi make we start gbese for here,” @ossaivictor1_ demanded on X. His statement loosely asks if he has been signed or should Nigerians started trouble?”
Another user, @29rocketboy, added, “Before 12pm if we don’t get the tryout procedure as promised, this account will be reported for false pretense.”
Sports journalist Pooja has urged fans to exercise patience, explaining the complexities involved in arranging such trials.
“I want Nigerians to be calm and not harass any post drop by Sevilla until we get the official response from them (this should come in less than 48hrs),” she wrote.
“It takes a lot to invite a grassroots player (passport verification, medical tests, visa processing, ticket booking, hotel reservations, reps checks, schedule guide & more) as they won’t believe Ola cracked the numbers in less than 24hrs.”
Some fans questioned the authority of Sevilla’s social media team to make such promises, with @Omotolani Adebanjo asking, “Can a social media admin give him a trial?”
@sportingking365 expressed skepticism about the club’s intentions writing, “If their intent was pure they’ll drop a message saying they are working on it. Time will tell anyway.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian comedian Craze Clown has offered to fund Ayotunde’s passport processing if needed.
“Congratulations @TheRealOlagreat… If you never get your passport ready, I go pay for new one make your year sweet from January,” he posted.
While Sevilla are yet to officially confirm the trial, the club recently announced the creation of a new international squad competing in Spain’s ninth-tier Tecera Andaluza, featuring foreign players aged 18 in line with FIFA regulations.
Should Ayotunde succeed in his trial, he would join Super Eagles stars Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho at the Spanish club, with Pooja noting, “Another good thing is, Ejuke & Iheanacho will be on ground to help him attack & give him tips to pass the trials.”