Photos: Nahki Wells Supporters & Celebrations

Bermuda’s Nahki Wells made his Wembley debut in front of 82,597 fans at the famed London stadium today [Feb 24], with a handful of those fans being Bermudians who made the trek to watch one of our own on the world stage.

After overcoming Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa to reach the Final, Bradford ran into an opponent who they were unable to overcome, and suffered a 5-0 defeat. Both Nathan Dyer and Jonathan De Guzman scored twice, while Spanish striker Michu also found the back of the net.

The banner above was hanging outside Wembley stadium today, and said “Burton Albion. The second goal from Wells taking it to extra time”. It refers to the game in the fourth round of the Cup, when Wells fired in two goals with only 8 minutes left in the game to force extra-time.

Bermuda’s Nahki Wells was part of the starting lineup, however was taken off in the 57th minute after Bradford goalkeeper Matt Duke was shown a red card. Wells was sacrificed for Bradford’s replacement keeper Jon McLaughlin, with Bradford going down to ten men.

Swansea converted the penalty gleaned from that encounter, making the score 4-0. Swansea scored again to make it 5-0, and Swansea’s Nathan Dyer was declared the Man of the Match.

Local supporters wearing Wells shirts watching the game at Robin Hood

Meanwhile back in Bermuda, thousands of Bermudians were glued to their television screens to watch the match, with some at home and while others made their way to various venues around the island. Many of the local bars, such as Docksiders, Devonshire Boat Club and Robin Hood were showing the game, while there was also a live screening scheduled at CedarBridge.

Declan Harris & Rowan Ramotar present Dandy Town representative Kewanna Swan with a cheque for the funds raised at the screening at CedarBridge

The live screening at CedarBridge Academy served as a fundraiser for the youth football programme at Dandy Town – Nahki Wells old club. Over $1,000 was raised at the event, and after the game was over the organisers presented Dandy Town representative Kewanna Swan a cheque of the proceeds.

People started arriving at the venue from the 10.00am start and many enjoyed the codfish breakfast on sale.The organizers distributed tickets to everyone that came early and winners were announced at a draw held during the half-time period for a large selection of prizes.

Supporters showing national pride at the screening at CedarBridge

Throughout the game,the crowd energy got louder whenever Nahki Wells’ name was called and shouts and air horns rang out. Disappointment and boos filled the air when Wells was substituted in the 78th minute with some of the crowd leaving, while most stayed until the end.

Bradford had beaten all early predictions in reaching the Capital One Cup Final, with the odds having been 10,000-1 at the outset of the competition back in August to reach the finals.

Some of Nahki Wells family, who traveled to London, pictured before the game

Wells, 22, played a key role in Bradford’s journey to Wembley, with his 18 goals for the season leading all scorers for his team. Both the teams came out at the end of the match to collect their winners and participation medals, and Wells brought a Bermuda flag out with him. View all our coverage of Wells road to Wembley here.

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