The Russian government has rejected a request by Super Eagles supporters to bring in live chickens into the Kaliningrad Stadium for Nigeria's opening clash against Croatia on Saturday.
The chickens already painted in green and white were expected to bring good luck to the Super Eagles.
Speaking about the request made by the Nigerian supporters, Russian Minister of Culture and Tourism, Andrei Ernak, told interfax.ru that the request was turned down.
Ernak said: “Our information center FM-2018 receives a lot of various questions.
“So, fans from Nigeria asked whether it is possible to go to the stadium with a chicken. This is their symbol, citizens are seen with them in all matches.
“We told them that it’s by no means possible to come with a live chicken.
“But if the Nigerians are rooting for their team in other places, we will of course advise them where the chicken can be bought.”
At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Nigerian supporters made the same request and were turned away from Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
