NIKE contract will open more doors, says Pinnick

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, has expressed confidence that the Kit Sponsorship Agreement the Federation signed with world’s leading brand, NIKE, in London on Thursday will open more doors for Nigerian football in the area of sponsorship.
“I am thoroughly convinced that this agreement is the beginning of good and great things to happen to Nigeria football with regards to sponsorship deals.
“The NFF is happy to come into partnership with a leading global brand like NIKE. We are in good company.”
Pinnick believes there will be even more glorious moments for Nigerian football in the coming years than during NIKE’s first partnership with the NFF between 1994 and 2003.
“During those years, Nigeria won a first-ever Olympics football gold (1996) and reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup (1998). But I have no doubts whatsoever that this second coming of NIKE into Nigeria football will bring even more joyous moments with plenty of laurels for the National Teams.
“Nigerian football has excellent potential all around and a top global brand like NIKE will help to spur the processes that the present NFF administration has put in place to drive our game to the next level.”
The NFF President commended the efforts of the Federation’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sports, in sealing the contract. “We appreciate the hard work that Mr. Pachon and his Eurodata Sports are making in the interest of Nigeria football. They are good working partners and their contributions are invaluable.”
The agreement was signed at The Soho Hotel, Richmond Mews, London on Thursday afternoon. The NFF team at the signing comprised Pinnick, High Chief Emeka Inyama (chairman of NFF Marketing Committee), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau (Member of the NFF Executive Committee), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (NFF General Secretary), Mr. Stephen Keshi (Super Eagles’ Head Coach), Mr. Ademola Olajire (Assistant Director, Communications) and Okey Obi (Chief Legal Officer).
NIKE was represented by Tina Salminen, the company’s Africa Football Sports Marketing Director.