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Some of the visitors spent days sleeping at Moscow's Vnukovo airport while others were forced to stay outside in front of the country's embassy in the Russian capital.

They had bought Fan IDs, which served as visas for the duration of the tournament, for 250,000 naira ($700, 600 euros) in the hope of securing work or even professional football contracts.

Others said they came to watch the tournament, but said the bogus travel agencies cancelled their return flights and pocketed the cash.

Although they traveled to Russia purposely for the World Cup, some planned to stay after the month-long tournament.

Senior Special Assistant at the Presidency, Garba Shehu, said President Buhari has ordered the Minister of Aviation and Foreign Ministry to bring the stranded fans back home.

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Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode was also forced to step in last week to cover the return expenses of around 50 of the fans.

Nigeria went into the World Cup with high hopes but failed to reach the knockout stage after losing two of their games and winning just one.