Ahead of the massive encounter between Liverpool and Manchester City this weekend, we are bringing you a unique look at one of football’s most storied rivalries through the eyes of the fans who live and breathe it.
From the streets of Abuja to the heart of Johannesburg, we explore the deep-rooted passion and the “Red vs Blue” divide that defines this fixture across the continent.
As Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola prepare for a tactical showdown, , this release captures the raw energy and expectation of two fanbases united by the game but split by their colours.
Few fixtures in the pantheon of modern English football carry the same psychological weight, tactical intrigue, and sheer inevitability as Liverpool versus Manchester City.
On Sunday, 8 February 2026 at 18:30 (CAT), the world will stop as these two giants collide in a fixture that has become the defining rivalry of the Premier League era.
For the Reds, Anfield remains the league’s most volatile amplifier, a place where they seek to tilt the balance of power. For the Citizens, it is a business trip—a chance to display the methodical, ruthless efficiency that has made them serial winners. With second-placed City looking to hunt down Arsenal and sixth-placed Liverpool fighting to reclaim their status at the summit, the stakes could not be higher.
As fans across the continent prepare for the whistle, we look at the clash through the eyes of two passionate supporters’ leaders from the heart of Africa.
THE ABUJA ANGLE: BLUE MOON RISING IN NIGERIA
David Onah, Member of the Manchester City Supporters Club in Abuja, Nigeria
In the bustling heart of Abuja, David Onah watches the “up and down” nature of City’s current campaign with the measured eye of a man who knows class is permanent.
While he admits the Citizens have lacked their usual mettle—noting rare back-to-back stumbles against United and Bodo Glimt—he believes the sleeping giant is waking up.
“To be completely honest, Manchester City’s season has been a rollercoaster. We’ve seen flashes of pure genius, but the consistency we usually demand hasn’t always been there,” says Onah. “
I have mixed emotions about Pep Guardiola lately. While he is our architect, I feel the team needs a fresh spark of inspiration to regain that clinical edge. Anfield is the ultimate place to find it.”
For Onah, the Nigerian support for City is a growing force, but he has a clear vision for how to truly conquer the Nigerian market:
“The passion for the Premier League in Abuja is electric. If I could sit in the boardroom, I’d tell them to bring Victor Osimhen to the Etihad.”
“He is the striker who would not only strengthen our attack but would ignite the heart of every Nigerian fan.”
“Until then, I’m putting my faith in Antoine Semenyo and Erling Haaland. I’m predicting a disciplined 1–0 victory for City to reignite our title charge.”
THE JOZI VIBE: SCOUSE PRIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Liam Lockhart, Chairman of the Official Liverpool Supporters Club (OLSC) in Gauteng
Across the border in Johannesburg, Liam Lockhart is preparing the “Home away from Home” for the Liverpool faithful.
Despite the noise surrounding Arne Slot’s tenure and the looming shadow of Xabi Alonso’s availability, Lockhart remains steadfast in his belief in the project.
“Liverpool aren’t a club that panics; we have a long-term vision,” Lockhart insists.
“Just a year ago, we were singing Slot’s praises for guiding us to our 20th Title. The league is like nothing we’ve seen—one win can catapult you back to the top.”
“We’ve been through the longest losing run in 60 years and came back from it. We are resilient.”
Lockhart notes that the Gauteng fan base is more energised than ever.
“The big games bring out a spirit you won’t find anywhere else. We’ve even arranged for our resident musician, Mark, to play before and after the game to keep the vibes high.”
“People are talking about Xabi Alonso because he’s a cult hero, but Slot is our man right now.”
“My advice to him? Liverpool fans are simple: we want to see 100% intensity. If the team represents the people who give their heart and soul to this club from Jozi to Merseyside, we will leave the pitch with three points. Anfield under the lights is where underdogs become legends.”
FORM GUIDE
Liverpool (6th)
Form: WWLWD
The Reds have been a whirlwind of chaos and control. Despite a shock loss to Bournemouth, their recent dismantling of Marseille and victory over Newcastle prove that when the press is on, they remain the most aggressive weapon in the league.
Manchester City (2nd)
Form: DWWLL
City’s pursuit of Arsenal has been hampered by uncharacteristic defensive stumbles, but recent clinical wins over Wolves and Galatasaray suggest the machine is back in gear. The Carabao Cup semifinal against Newcastle served as the perfect dress rehearsal for the trip to Merseyside.
