NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari
Globacom Tuesday in Abuja presented a cheque of N350m to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), as the five-year sponsorship deal it signed with the Federation last year entered the second season.
Presenting the cheque to the President of NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, at the Glass House in Abuja, Director of Mike Adenuga Group, Mr Niyi Adewunmi said that Globacom believes that its sponsorship of the NFF and the national teams will make Nigeria’s football to soar.
He reassured the federation and all Nigerians that "Globacom believes that this is a partnership that works and must continue to deliver value to the delight of all Nigerians."
Adewunmi announced to the NFF board that Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. has encouraged the federation to ensure that "Nigeria qualifies for the next Africa Cup of Nations, the World Cup and indeed all the other major football events.
"Globacom is ready to support you all through as we are very happy to support the development of Nigerian football," said the director of the Adenuga Group.
Last year, Globacom and NFF signed a five-year agreement to sponsor the national football teams and the Federation Cup from 2011 to 2016. The company paid the first instalment last year.
While receiving the cheque, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, thanked Globacom for its consistency in supporting Nigerian football, and assured Nigerians that "we will not let you down by ensuring that Nigeria qualifies for the Africa Cup of Nations and other major football competitions."
He noted that the payment has come at the right time when the federation was facing financial challenges in meeting its obligations to its coaches and other stakeholders.
The federation chairman further commended Globacom for launching the Glo Soccer Academy, touted as the biggest soccer reality TV show in Africa.
Maigari said that the Glo Soccer Academy was “the only recognised football academy in the country as you applied all the due processes, got your license and complied with the rules of the process."
In his remarks, NFF’s Marketing Consultant, Chief Mike Itemuagbor, said that by this payment, Globacom has demonstrated commitment to ensuring that this relationship produces maximum result to the benefit of all stakeholders.
He recognised that Globacom has been contributing massively to the development of Nigerian football since inception and assured Globacom that "NFF understands the value of the relationship."