Fowl play: Nigeria fans banned from bringing live chickens to games

The practice is believed to bring the 'Super Eagles' luck and is commonplace in Nigeria, though fans' hopes of doing so in Russia have been dashed.

Ahead of their Group D opener against Croatia on Saturday, Kaliningrad's minister of culture Andrei Ermak revealed: "fans from Nigeria asked if it's possible to go to the stadium with a chicken, it's their symbol, [and they take] them to matches. We told them it is impossible."

However, there was some light at the end of the tunnel, with chickens not being banned completely.

"We will, of course, advise them where the chicken can be [taken]," Ermak added. "We are ready to satisfy the most eccentric inquiries."

Along with Croatia, Nigeria will also face Iceland and Argentina in Group D as they look to extend their stay in Russia beyond three games.