Telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday in Lagos signed a three-year renewable contract.
In the contract, MTN will become the exclusive official communications partner of NFF and the national football teams.
MTN’s Communication Manager, Mr. Funsho Aina, told newsmen in Lagos at the event that the partnership would be an N500 million annual deal that would cover all the national football teams.
“MTN, with the agreement, becomes the exclusive communications partner of Nigeria’s national football teams,” he said.
At the event, Sports Minister Sunday Dare called on other corporates to emulate MTN Nigeria by supporting sports development.
“All hands must be on deck to strengthen our competitive position not only in football but in other sports.
“Through this partnership, MTN is building a sustainable legacy of support, partnership and exciting soccer experience for Nigerians.
“I seize this opportunity to call on other well-meaning Nigerian businesses to join us in achieving a paradigm shift in the development of all our sporting federations,” he said.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick expressed optimism at the partnership, saying that it would take football development to an enviable height.
“I am delighted to welcome Nigeria’s largest mobile operator as a partner to the NFF and the Nigerian national football teams.
“I am grateful for its long-term commitment to working with us to support the ecosystem.
“Today is the start of a new journey for Nigerian football, and we are so excited to be on it.
“Over the coming weeks and months, we will be revealing more about our plans and how you can engage,” he said.
Commenting on MTN’s growing relationship with Nigeria’s dynamic football ecosystem, the MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Mr Karl Toriola, said that football was a unifying factor in Nigeria.
“ It brings people together, breaks down boundaries, creates conversations and inspires.
“We are privileged to have this opportunity to partner with the NFF and be able to support all Nigeria’s national football teams over the next three years.
“This is the start of what we hope will be an inspiring, productive, and value-adding partnership.
“This patnership can combine the role that technology plays with the incredible experiences that football provides for the millions of Nigerians who follow the national teams,” he said.
