Navigating Online Fandom via Impoliteness and Politeness Strategies in Premier League Football Banter Tweets in Nigeria

This study examines how politeness and impoliteness shape football banter among Nigerian Premier League fans on X. From 50 selected tweets, the results show that impoliteness dominates fan interaction. Positive impoliteness appeared most frequently, followed closely by sarcasm or mock politeness and bald-on-record attacks. Negative impoliteness was also common, while positive politeness and withholding politeness were rare. Overall, the banter relies on playful aggression, teasing and rivalry. These patterns indicate that impoliteness is not simply hostile; it helps fans bond, affirm group identity and participate in the competitive spirit that defines Nigerian online football culture in online fan communities.