WHEN Tayo Adetoye read a copy of a newspaper that mentioned Southampton FC by their nickname – the Saints – he knew fate had led him to the football team he was supposed to support.

And although the gospel preacher lives more than 3,000 miles away in Mushin, Nigeria, Tayo knows he has made the right decision.

“I started supporting Southampton FC two seasons ago after I learnt that they were called the Saints,” says the 29-year-old.

“For a long time, I was a Manchester United fan, but after my conversion as a Christian, I realised I cannot support a football team with the nickname the Red Devils. It’s against my faith as a believer.

“So I had to look for a new team to support - because I love football so much.

“A friend of mine brought a local paper where the name Saints was mentioned and, after going through their history, I discovered it was a football team that actually emerged from a church called St Mary’s. So I chose to support them.”

Meant to be

And when Tayo - who is married to Blessing and has an eight-year-old daughter, Ayotomiwa - was watching them play on TV for the first time and heard the fans singing When the Saints Go Marching In, he knew it was meant to be.

“It was a song we used to sing in Nigeria at school,” he explains.

“And you know in life, love is a gradual thing – the more you know, or learn, of something or someone – the deeper your love grows.

“I dream that one day I will be able to watch the first team play at St Mary’s, and the youngsters at Staplewood.”

Despite the many miles between Tayo and his chosen team, he feels part of the Saints FC extended family thanks to the many fans he has met on Facebook groups over the past couple of years.

And they have taken him to their hearts by sending him their old Saints shirts and scarves, which he shares with his friends, family and congregation.

Daily Echo:

Tayo Adetoye

“The Saints family have been the best," he adds.

“I want to express my profound gratitude to my fellow Saints fans in the UK that have enhanced my progress as a fan,” he says.

“Some of these friends have sent me their old Saints tops which I have shared with other Saints mates here.

“Southampton FC is gaining wider population in Nigeria day by day due to their style of play.

“From my own vicinity I can say we are more than 20.

“Initially the support started with me, then three of my friends, Oluwasegun Afikuyomi, Matthew Ekhator and Shina Akinwale, followed suit.

“The support here for the Saints has grown beyond this ever since.”

And just like any football fan, Tayo has high hopes that successful seasons lie ahead.

“In the future, I would love to see my team end up in the top four of the EPL, and maybe win a trophy,” he said.

“My love for Southampton FC has grown beyond measure.”