In a previous report on Goalball Live, NPFL record champions Enyimba International Football Club of Aba have added another feather to their cap with a new partnership deal.
The People’s Elephant signed a two-year sleeve sponsorship deal with Nigerian air carrier United Airlines, worth ₦100 million. The nine-time Nigeria Professional Football League champions already have a sponsorship deal with Stake.com which they signed in October, and a partnership with Infinix which they signed in November.
The NPFL giants are now poised to continue their successes on and off the pitch with the new ₦100 million United Airlines sleeve sponsorship.
We are pleased to announce a two year sponsorship deal with United Nigeria Airlines @flyunitedng
The Official signing of the dotted lines took place at the Corporate Office of United Nigeria Airlines at Plot C2A Garden Avenue GRA, Enugu , Enugu State.#FlyUnitedNigeria… pic.twitter.com/eLxStJTcK0
— Enyimba FC (@EnyimbaFC) December 8, 2023
NPFL champions Enyimba and United Airlines deal: The details
Enyimba, who claimed their ninth NPFL title last season, appointed former Nigeria national football team great Nwankwo Kanu as their chairman ahead of the 2023/24 Nigerian league season.
The former Arsenal and Portsmouth striker has since gone on to facilitate a number of juicy deals for the club, the latest being the ₦100 million sleeve sponsorship deal with United Airlines. The deal was announced earlier this week but pen was officially put to paper on 8 December 2023 at the offices of United Airlines in Enugu State, Nigeria.
A press release by the Nigerian air carrier, announcing the deal, reads: “The partnership between United Nigeria Airlines and Enyimba Football Club represents a major milestone for both organizations.
“As a proud supporter of the Aba-based football club, Enyimba FC’s rebranding efforts have soared to new heights with this collaboration.
“Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, the founder and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, has always prioritized the growth of the local economy and the restoration of the Southeast’s once-enviable economic and developmental status. This partnership exemplifies his dedication to supporting “home made” products and taking pride in locally sourced initiatives.
“With United Nigeria Airlines now serving as a shirt sponsor for Enyimba FC, a beloved football team from the South East, this alliance serves as a powerful call to action for everyone to rally behind our own and take ownership of the Southeast project.
“It is a significant honour for United Nigeria Airlines to become the official kit sponsor of Enyimba Football Club based in Aba, Abia State.
“The NPFL needs this deal,” says Chairman Kanu
Speaking at the signing, NPFL defending champions Enyimba chairman Kanu praised the carrier for agreeing to partner with the club. He then went on to state that this deal will provide a boost for the Nigerian league, which needs all the support it can get from the private sector.
“Today is a special day,” Kanu said. “Enyimba FC is 24 years before I came in as chairman, we have not had such. So from the people of Abia State, His Excellency, Gov. Alex Otti, the staff, the club and the league, we really appreciate the sponsorship.
“Enyimba Football Club, the League itself needs people and organization of such.
“The United Nigeria Airline is to unite everybody and football is one of the biggest tools to unite Nigeria.”
Kanu also called on other airlines to consider sponsoring the league and aid in the development of football in Nigeria. Then he assured United Airlines that their choice to sponsor Enyimba would not be for nought because the club intends to stay on top of the NPFL.
“Coming to Enyimba FC, which is one of the biggest football clubs in Africa, this is to show that things are getting much better,” Kanu said. “It is not going to be easy for us but with what is happening today, Enyimba will still be Enyimba and be on top,” he assured.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
