Why can’t NFF get sponsors after Afcon?

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that th Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

[Damunk]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that th Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

[greg]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that th Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

Don't generalize. If NFF even do something simple like a GoFundMe and tell people to donate to help foot their expenses. You'll be surprised how much will be raised. I myself would not mind donating. We know stuff like this may not be in their skill set, but there are commission-based companies they can hire to run drives for them. So that's not an excuse either. If Nigerian pastors raise billions at will without offering any tangible product in return, then come freaking on.

[Damunk]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that th Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

Don't generalize. If NFF even do something simple like a GoFundMe and tell people to donate to help foot their expenses. You'll be surprised how much will be raised. I myself would not mind donating. We know stuff like this may not be in their skill set, but there are commission-based companies they can hire to run drives for them. So that's not an excuse either. If Nigerian pastors raise billions at will without offering any tangible product in return, then come freaking on.

Greg, unfortunately religion and football do not command the same degree of suspension of disbelief.
If the SE fokkop, followers (fans) will abuse NFF, coach and players alike, no holds barred.
If Pastor fokksop, whether metaphorically or even very literally, followers will defend him to the hilt, even in light of graphic evidence. The following Sunday, they will double their collection to defeat the ‘enemies at work’.

An NFF Go-Fund-Me will fail spectacularly. Na abuse dem go collect, no be money.
No different from Tinubu setting up one to ‘help’ Nigeria.

Pinnick was relatively successful with raising money, but even he had to recognise that it all depended on the national economy. They can’t work independently of that.

[Enugu II]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that th Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

Correct. It is not football climate really but the general Nigerian economic climate is not inviting. It is at best unstable.

[mcal]

...Nigeria FA authority have never aspired to get a private sponsorship, both at the nation and local level. They only kowtow to the government and governors who come and go.

[Damunk]

...Nigeria FA authority have never aspired to get a private sponsorship, both at the nation and local level. They only kowtow to the government and governors who come and go.

Mcal, you need to update your information.
It doesn’t look good when you continue to recycle inaccurate info - even if it goes down well with popular opinion.

[mcal]

...Nigeria FA authority have never aspired to get a private sponsorship, both at the nation and local level. They only kowtow to the government and governors who come and go.

Mcal, you need to update your information.
It doesn’t look good when you continue to recycle inaccurate info - even if it goes down well with popular opinion.

...if that's what it is, so be it. Hope they change, this is becoming embarrassing.

[scholl]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that the Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

Look at who’s whining here?

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that th Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

Things are tough but business is still going on in Nigeria daily with big companies still making Nbillions . Telcom, food and beverage, clothing and consumables are always in demand regardless of the economic situation. NFF should be able to squeez out a reasonable amount every year to fund its operations.

[Damunk]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that the Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

Look at who’s whining here?

Says the Crowned Prince of Whineland.
You would know, wouldn’t you.

[Damunk]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that th Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

Things are tough but business is still going on in Nigeria daily with big companies still making Nbillions . Telcom, food and beverage, clothing and consumables are always in demand regardless of the economic situation. NFF should be able to squeez out a reasonable amount every year to fund its operations.

The main problem would probably be uncertainty, which is generally bad for business.
Who knows what govt policy is going to be announced tomorrow?
If you were doing business in Nigeria right now, I’m not sure you’d be as enthusiastic on sponsorship as you were even just two years ago.

It’s a tough call during these kind of times….

During times of economic downturn, such as the one Nigeria’s currently experiencing, businesses are frequently forced to make tough choices regarding cutting back on costs. Unfortunately, marketing is often among the first cost items to be cut. While the reasons for cutting back on marketing as a whole are understandable, doing so could potentially cause detrimental damage to the business in the long run.

There’s a strong case to be made that, rather than making wholesale cuts, organisations could reallocate spending to suit the current economic climate while driving efficiency and adapting to changing consumer behaviours.

https://technext24.com/2023/08/15/dont- ... ve-crisis/
.

[iworo]

...Nigeria FA authority have never aspired to get a private sponsorship, both at the nation and local level. They only kowtow to the government and governors who come and go.

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt. Under Pinnick's leadership, the NFF made tremendous strides in securing lucrative sponsorship deals for the national teams. Please see the red-highlighted section below.


Promises Made, Promises Fulfilled
Brief on Amaju Pinnick –led NFF since inception in 2014

In the first 4-Year tenure of the Amaju Melvin Pinnick –led Board of the Nigeria Football Federation, so many achievements were recorded on-and-off the field of play. This is an attempt to document some of these achievements, though they are in no way exhaustive.

At the onset of the administration, Pinnick and his team espoused a vision of building a sustainable football culture for Nigeria. Four years later, the informed and sincere will agree that Nigerian Football is surely on the path to that exciting platform.

ON THE PITCH

The NFF administration under Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick as President and Dr. Mohammed Sanusi as General Secretary, has won a total of seven (7) trophies, Bronze Medal from the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament AND Bronze Medal from the biggest –ever Africa Cup of Nations championship, which is entirely different from the giant strides the administration has made in several other areas, on and off the field.

FIFA U17 World Cup Triumph: The Nigeria U17 boys, Golden Eaglets won the FIFA U17 World Cup for the fifth time in Chile in November 2015, defeating fellow West Africans Mali in an exciting final match.

Women Africa Cup of Nations (2014, 2016 & 2018): Under the Amaju Pinnick –led NFF, the Senior Women National Team (Super Falcons) has won the Women Africa Cup of Nations thrice (2014 in Namibia; 2016 in Cameroon and; 2018 in Ghana), raising their senior continental titles to nine (9), out of the 11 editions staged so far. The ninth win, which was a third successive triumph, happened after the Pinnick Board had won a second 4-Year tenure of office.

U23 Africa Cup of Nations: Nigeria won the second edition of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, staged in Senegal in December 2015, and which qualified the Nigeria U23 team for the Men’s Football Tournament of the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Before the tournament, the boys had won the Bronze Medals in the football event of the 11th All-Africa Games staged in Brazzaville, Congo.

U20 Africa Cup of Nations: The U20 National Team, Flying Eagles, won the U20 Africa Cup of Nations Championship held in Senegal in March 2015. It was the seventh continental title for the Flying Eagles.

WAFU U17 Cup: The U17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, won the WAFU U17 Cup Championship held in Niger Republic in September 2018.

The tournament also served as the qualifying tournament for the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations, and victory over Ghana in the final, after earlier wins over Cote d’Ivoire and the host nation Niger, ensured the Eaglets will contest for the 2019 Africa U17 trophy in Tanzania.

Olympic Men’s Football Bronze: The U23 National Team, captained by Mikel John Obi, won the Bronze Medal in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament of the Rio Olympics in Brazil in August 2016.

AFCON 2019 Bronze Medal: The Senior National Team, also captained by Mikel John Obi, won the Bronze Medal after finishing THIRD among 24 teams in the biggest –ever Africa Cup of Nations championship held in Egypt June/July 2019

Best-Ever CHAN Outing (Silver): The above also does not include the excellent performances of the Home –based Senior National Team, Super Eagles B, which won the Silver Medals at the 5th African Nations Championship held in Morocco in 2018. It was the best performance by the Super Eagles B at the championship since the competition was launched in 2009. The team lost to host nation Morocco in the final match in Casablanca.

Silver Medal from 2017 WAFU Cup: The Super Eagles B finished as runners –up at the 2017 WAFU Cup competition, hosted by Ghana in September 2017. After defeating Sierra Leone, Ghana and Benin Republic, the Eagles lost the final match to the same Ghanaians in Cape Coast.

Beach Soccer AFCON Silver Medals: The Beach Soccer National Team, Supersand Eagles, won the Silver Medals at the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in 2016 and 2018, and also at the annual COPA Lagos Invitational Tournament, in 2015 and 2017.

Return to All-Africa Games Football and Bronze Medal from Men’s Event: After both teams failed to qualify for the 2011 All-Africa Games Football Tournament, meaning they also missed out on the 2012 Olympic Games, the U23 boys and the Super Falcons both qualified for the football events of the 2015 All-Africa Games Football Tournaments, held in Brazzaville, Congo. The U23 boys won the Bronze Medals at the tournament.

Qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup: When the draw for the group phase of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying series (Africa) was made in June 2016, Nigeria was rated third behind Algeria and Cameroon. Bookmakers saw the battle for the ticket in Group B as a straight fight between Algeria (then Africa’s number one on the FIFA ranking and on the strength of their Round of 16 performance against eventual finalists Germany at Brazil 2014) and Cameroon.

The Super Eagles went ahead to win their first two matches of the series: 2-1 away to Zambia and 3-1 at home to Algeria. When Cameroon won the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and played at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, the bookmakers insisted they would be the team to beat in the group. But the Super Eagles got four points off them, winning 4-0 in Uyo and drawing 1-1 in Yaounde.

The Eagles the pipped Zambia at home to qualify for the World Cup. The final match of the qualifying series, away to Algeria in Constantine, which ended 1-1, was a mere academic session. The Nigerian flag was already in Russia before that match!

Top –Notch Friendly Matches: Over the course of four years (2014-2018), the National Teams experienced their brightest moments with regards to quality friendly games. The Super Eagles played against countries like Argentina, England, Poland, Serbia, Senegal and Czech Republic, besides Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and Luxembourg. The team also played against Uganda in November 2018. The Senior Women Team, Super Falcons played against France in April 2018, while the U23 team played against their Tunisian counterparts. The U17 boys played in invitational tournaments in Korea.

Before the game against England at Wembley on 2nd June 2018, Nigeria had not played a friendly against the Three Lions since November 1994.

OFF THE PITCH

Appointment of PriceWaterHouse Coopers and Financial Derivatives: From inception, the Pinnick team made known its intention to install financial prudency and accountability at the NFF. This informed the appointment of global leader PriceWaterHouse Coopers as external audtiors and Financial Derivatives Company as financial consultants. Both have A ratings in their respective fields and have worked assiduously to substantially improve financial governance and general book –keeping at the NFF over the past four years.

Harvest of Sponsorships and Partnerships: The principal word out there over the years has been the need for Sports Federation to find ways of romancing corporate organizations to fund their activities, instead of always putting all the burden on government, which has so many other important sectors to fund.

The NFF leadership has done so well in this regard. AITEO Energy Resources Limited, Nigeria’s leading energy solutions company, first came in as Official Optimum Partner of the NFF, shelling out the money to pay salaries of Coaches. In the first tranche, even coaches that were owed by previous NFF administrations smiled to the bank!

AITEO then took up the sponsorship of the oldest football competition in the land – previously known by various names such as FA Cup, Challenge Cup and Federation Cup. The company, working with the NFF, has done remarkably well to reposition the competition and bring back its old glory. Today, the AITEO Cup is an integral part of the NFF Calendar and the second edition has been generating nationwide buzz in the past few weeks.

Before AITEO, the Pinnick –led NFF Board secured partnership with ZENITH International Bank for capacity building for administrators, youth development programme and payment of Super Eagles’ Head Coach.

And on the eve of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, the NFF administration scored another first by signing two partnership agreements in one day: with Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group as Official Food Sponsor of the Super Eagles, and PayPorte Global Systems Limited, as Official Online Store of the NFF.

Global behemoth, Coca-Cola, also teamed up with Nigerian Football on a 5-Year agreement, which made Coca-Cola the ‘Official Soft Drink of the National Teams’.

Months later, the NFF signed more earth –shaking agreements, first with Nigerian Breweries PLC (5 –Year deal worth N2.2 Billion, and which made Star Lager the ‘Official Alcoholic Beverage of the Super Eagles,’ and Amstel Malta the ‘Official Malt Drink of the NFF and the National Teams’). There is also a partnership with Cadbury Nigeria PLC which makes Tom Tom the ‘Official Candy of the Super Eagles.’

WAPIC Insurance PLC has become the Official Insurance Company of the NFF and the National Team and Emzor Pharmaceuticals has been retained with another long –term contract.

Adroit Move To Replace One Global Kit Company With Another: At the onset of the Pinnick administration, Nigerian Football was staring down the barrel of the gun kit –wise, with German giants Adidas refusing to renew its agreement with the NFF, following perceived failure of the previous administration to protect it from ambush tactics of rivals. Pleas and several propositions failed to get the company to change its mind.

With the stark reality that Nigeria was left with no choice but to be buying kits for its various National Teams, Pinnick reached out to his contacts and power of persuasion brought NIKE, another global player, into the fold. Following participation at the FIFA World Cup and the general rising stock of Nigerian Football on and off the pitch, conversations moved to NIKE significantly improving the terms of the contract, and in November 2018, a robust, new contract was signed between the NFF and NIKE in Asaba, Delta State.

Key Role In Team Change That Swept Off Old Guard At CAF: Pinnick was the poster boy of the Team Change – the group led by Mr. Ahmad Darw which wrestled control of African football from the old guard led by Issa Hayatou in March 2017. Despite discouragement from certain quarters and betrayal by even close pals, Pinnick forged on and led the battle, and the success of that brave venture has had amazing positive effect on Nigeria’s status in international football ever since.

The Enthronement of Science: Surely, recent victories have not come on a platter of gold. There has been careful planning and execution of strategies. At the advent of the Amaju Pinnick –led NFF administration, the Board talked a lot about readiness to go the scientific way of doing things.

The Super Eagles engage in a lot of scientific processes, including yoga training. Embedded in the crew is an osteopath, and other specialists. There is also executive scouting, which has attracted a good number of Nigerian –born players who had featured for other countries to opt for Nigeria at senior level. Names like Alex Iwobi, Olaoluwa Aina, Leon Balogun, Bryan Idowu, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Jamilu Collins readily come to mind.

Construction of Football Pitches Across The Country: The Pinnick administration has talked a lot about building a sustainable football culture for Nigeria, and it is living up to the word with the recent decision to build two football pitches in each of the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. It is a gigantic project but Pinnick assures that it will be done as sponsors have already been secured. These pitches will be owned by the Football Association in each of the States of the Federation and the FCT.

This will further galvanize the discovery and nurturing of talented football players from a young age, assuring a supply line for all the National Football Teams.

Building of Mini-Secretariats for State FAs: Beside the construction of football pitches in each of the Local Government Areas across the country, the Pinnick administration has already started construction of mini-secretariats for the Football Associations in each of the 36 States and the FCT. The first round of the project has already been concluded in six States (selected from each of the country’s geo-political zones), and construction has commenced in a second tranche of six States. This was part of the significant add-ons agreed with Official Optimum Partner, AITEO.

The One The Football World Loves And Respects: Amaju Pinnick, appointed into the Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions even before his election into the CAF Executive Committee, commissioned six (6) matches at the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia, including the Third Place Match between Belgium and England in Saint Petersburg.

Also before his election into the CAF Exco, Pinnick had been able to get FIFA President Gianni Infantino to pay a visit to Nigeria, alongside the Secretary General, Fatma Samoura. During the visit, Infantino and Samoura were at the Presidential Villa to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR).

Following his election into the CAF Executive Committee, Pinnick was also appointed into the CAF Emergency Committee and made the President of AFCON – CAF’s biggest competition.

In October, few days after 2018 World Cup qualification was secured, Pinnick presided over his first meeting in Cairo as President of AFCON, and few days later, hosted a meeting of CAF Emergency Committee in Lagos.

His huge clout secured Nigeria the hosting of the FIFA Executive Football Summit in February 2018 (held in Lagos), and also led to his appointment as Head of the FIFA/CAF team in the Normalization Committee for the Republic of Ghana’s football in September 2018. At the end of September 2018, following the forced departure of Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi from Ghana, Pinnick was inaugurated as the 1st Vice President of CAF.

Nigeria in frontline of global football politics: More than ever before, Nigeria has become a major player in football politics worldwide.

Apart from Pinnick’s own well –deserved appointments, other Nigerians have been benefitting from the success of Team Change.

Two other Nigerians have been appointed into positions in FIFA, with seven other persons in CAF. Justice Ayotunde Philips (former Chief Judge of Lagos) was elected member of the FIFA Ethics Committee (Adjudicatory Chamber) and NFF 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, has been appointed into FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee.

In CAF, NFF 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi, Dikko, Executive Committee members Ibrahim Gusau and Ahmed Fresh, and three other Nigerians, namely Senator Obinna Ogba, Dr. Peter Singabele and Mrs Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke are in various committees.

At the 40th General Assembly of CAF held in Casablanca, Morocco on the wings of the 5th African Nations Championship, top Nigerian advocate, A. U. Mustapha (Senior Advocate of Nigeria) was named President of the CAF Appeal Board. He is the first Nigerian to occupy that position. The same day, Samson Adamu, a CAF General Coordinator and organizer of the annual COPA Lagos Invitational Beach Soccer Tournament, was named CAF Director of Competitions – also the first Nigerian to occupy that post.

Excellent Travel, Training and Accommodation Arrangements for National Teams: Players of the various National Teams have experienced comfortable travelling, training and accommodation arrangements since the advent of the Pinnick –led Board. The Super Eagles have now become used to luxury jets for friendly matches, as they experienced flying to and from the friendly against Argentina in Krasnodar in November 2017, and flying to London for the friendly against the Three Lions in June 2018.

Youth Football Development Policy/Future Eagles Championship: The Amaju Pinnick –led NFF has brought a modern and pragmatic touch to youth football development, with the unveiling of a Youth Football Development Policy. An annual U13 and U15 National Competition, sponsored by Zenith International Bank PLC, is also on course, with players discovered flown to Morocco for a two –match tour in August 2017. The team received accolades for its performance, but moreso for the genuineness of the program as players looked very much the age. The second edition of the programme was successfully concluded (and with even more panache) in Lagos on 19th December 2017.

Man Of Integrity: While so many big names in African football administration fell by the way side, Pinnick passed the FIFA Integrity Test (a rigorous check on an individual’s credibility and personal life) with flying colours. This got him the various appointments into FIFA and CAF. His stock also rose steeply following a surprise decision to abstain from the race to succeed Kwesi Nyantakyi on the FIFA Council, instead allowing other qualified FA chiefs in Africa to battle for the slot.

Reckoning With Ex-Internationals: Former Nigeria football stars have been highly considered for coaching positions with the various National Teams. Pinnick had so much confidence in Sunday Oliseh when he appointed him Head Coach of the Super Eagles in July 2015, though the latter fell short of expectation. While Salisu Yusuf (before his recent suspension on ethical issues), Imama Amapakabo and Alloy Agu have been with the Super Eagles, Samson Siasia coached the U23 boys; Emmanuel Amuneke coached the U17 and U20 boys; Manu Garba is now with the U17 boys; Florence Omagbemi, Perpetua Nkwocha and Ann Chiejine worked with the Super Falcons; Perpetua Nkwocha and; Maureen Madu, Wemimo Mathew, Omoladun Tundun and Precious Dede are now with the Falcons as assistant coaches.

Working Relationship with Nigerian Missions Abroad: In the past 48 months, the NFF has been able to forge better working relationship with Nigerian Embassies and High Commissions abroad, through regular correspondence and updating of the Missions on Nigerian teams traveling for competitions in those countries.

Responsive and Responsible: The Pinnick administration has carved for the NFF the image of a responsive and responsible establishment, which treats with dispatch correspondence from its other members, as well as other agencies, parastatals and even other National Associations all over the world.

Greater Attention to Welfare of Coaches, Players, Staff: Over the past years, the NFF leadership has shown in several ways its utmost commitment to the welfare of the players, coaches and backroom staff of the various National Teams, as well as Management and Staff of the Federation.

The leadership held a meeting with Players and Officials of the Russia 2018 –bound Super Eagles on the wings of a friendly match against Argentina in November 2017, and a landmark agreement was reached, signed and sealed on the team’s share of expected FIFA World Cup monies. This was another first in the history of Nigerian Football.

About 30 per cent of earnings from the FIFA World Cup was for the team, and the Pinnick administration worked hard to get money from CAF and sponsors to pay the players before they kicked a ball at the World Cup. This was another first, and certainly guaranteed a rancour –free FIFA World Cup for Nigeria for the very first time in the history of participating in the competition.

Before the conclusion of the 5th African Nations Championship in Morocco, the NFF leadership also announced that 30 per cent of the bonus from the tournament would go to the team. This has now been document as a policy, with any team participating in a championship with prize money guaranteed to earn 30 per cent of the given sum.

CAF ‘C’, ‘B’ and ‘A’ License Coaching Courses: Aside from the tremendous encouragement and support given to several coaching courses, seminars and workshops, the NFF administration has staged CAF ‘C’, CAF ‘B’ and CAF ‘A’ License Coaching Courses since its inception. The CAF ‘A’ course was a first of its kind and benefitted over 80 coaches with highly-experienced resource persons in attendance.

FIFA Courses: There have been a range of FIFA-supported courses and workshops for coaches, referees and administrators in the country in the past four years, thanks to the initiative of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Capacity –Building Programs for Referees, Coaches, Administrators: Since inception of office, the Pinnick administration has concentrated on enhancing the capacity of administrators, referees and coaches.

About two dozen referees went for refresher programs in the United Kingdom in December 2014, and about two dozen coaches took their turn in February 2015. Another capacity –enhancing program took nearly 30 administrators to London in December 2015. Some coaches were specially trained in the world –renowned ProZone software to enhance the performance of Nigeria National Teams in international competitions.

Better Relationship With Other MDAs and Stakeholders: Never before has the NFF enjoyed such a cordial working relationship with all Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the country. The conscientious and dedicated manner of the NFF administration has ensured respect from the other MDAs.

Also, the NFF is working well with other Stakeholders in the Nigeria game, such as the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Senate Committee on Sports and the House of Reps’ Committee on Sports.

Appointments of World –Class Coaches for Super Eagles and Super Falcons: In January 2018, and in fulfillment of its pledge to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Super Falcons begin to creditably compete for laurels at global championships, and also to fast –track the development of women’s football in Nigeria, the NFF appointed Mr. Thomas Dennerby as new Head Coach of the team. It was Dennerby that plotted the team’s triumph in the Women AFCON finals in Ghana.

Some 18 months earlier, the administration had appointed Mr. Gernot Rohr, who had coached Gabon, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso National Teams, as Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles. It proved an inspired choice as Mr. Rohr easily qualified the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup from a ‘group of death’ and also qualified for the 2019 AFCON finals with a match to spare.

Dennerby won 34 caps for Swedish junior teams between 1975 and 1981 and coached the Swedish Women’s Senior Team between 2005 and 2012, during which the team played at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and the 2007 and 2011 FIFA World Cup finals, winning bronze at the latter tournament. More recently, he did scouting and analyses for the Swedish FA at the 2013 and 2017 European Championships, the 2016 Olympics and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

He was appointed alongside a Swedish assistant, Jorgen Petersson, who has also been involved in women’s football coaching at the highest level. They are being assisted by four former Nigeria internationals: Wemimo Matthew, Maureen Madu, Omoladun Tundun and Precious Dede.

Nigeria finally on FIFA Connect: In December 2017, a two –day workshop to finally and fully connect the Nigeria Football Federation to the very key FIFA Connect system of registration of football players and officials was held in Abuja.

FIFA Connect is the centralized portal for the registration of football players and other stakeholders. Following its full integration, the registration of all players and other stakeholders in Nigerian Football is now done by the NFF. Nigeria became the first African country to be on FIFA Connect.

FIFA Executive Football Summit in Nigeria: Pinnick’s clout at the top level in FIFA got Nigeria to be one of the two African countries to host the FIFA Executive Football Summit – a high profile meeting of the world’s football decision makers which held in 12 countries between August 2017 and March 2018. The event held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

NFF Bill: More progress than ever has been made with regards to the enactment of the NFF Bill to replace the NFF Act 2004 that had been in operation. The essence of the NFF Bill is to align the administration of football in Nigeria alongside best international practices, and to domesticate the FIFA Statutes, which is the approved document for administration of football globally.

AITEO/NFF Awards: For the first time ever, the supreme football –governing body in the country held an Awards night to reward players, administrators, coaches and legends of the game, alongside a Legends Eleven selection. Sponsored by Official Optimum Partner AITEO, the first edition took place at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and attracted captains of the political and business terrains.

Taking National Teams Across The Country: More than any administration before it, the Pinnick team took the matches of the various National Teams across the region and states of the Federation, making more people across the country to feel and experience national team football.

Over the past four years, the Super Eagles have played in Uyo, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, Kano and Asaba, while the U23 team has also played in Port Harcourt and Abuja.

The U20 boys have played in Lagos and Calabar; the U17 boys have played in Abuja and; the Beach Soccer team, Supersand Eagles, have played in Lagos.

The Super Falcons in Abuja and Lagos; the Falconets have played in Benin City and; the Flamengoes have played in Benin City and Abuja.

Financial Autonomy In The Horizon: With the Nigeria Football Federation now comfortably operating at an altitude of 60 per cent private sector –funding of its programs and activities, the Board says so much is still possible as the private sector has come to develop confidence and faith in the work of the present administration. He is confident that in the next 18 months, the NFF will reach a level of 100 per cent private sector funding of its programs and activities, thereby freeing resources for other critical sectors of the Nigeria economy in need of attention.

https://amajumelvinpinnick.com/

[fabio]

I don't on't believe the thesis written by Pinnick....

[mcal]

... what a long read, won't bother to even. We need continuity which Nigeria lacks in general.

[ohenhen1]

Sponsors get nothing from sponsoring the NFF.

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

Sponsors get nothing from sponsoring the NFF.

They sponsor the team not the Nff. Sponsorships are not new in football.

Amala and Egusi corporation can sign a deal with the English FA to supply hot Amala at halftime to the 3lions. The English Federation receives cash because they own the team and Harry Kane and others get hot Amala.

MTN, Airtel, Toyota, Dstv, Dangote and many more are all potential sponsors.

[Schillachi]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that th Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

On the issue of foreign sponsors, seem you are confusing foreign sponsorship with traditional foreign direct investments (FDI). They are not the same. Your take is like saying Burna Boy will find it hard to get foreign endorsement deals because of the economic situation in Nigeria. If NFF is out of ideas, they should hire reputable marketing agencies to represent them.

[Bell]

By all measure the SE had a successful outing at Afcon after making it to the finals. For a month Nigerians were fixated on the SE and came together across all groups to cheer for Nigeria. A very rare show of support for Nigeria amongst the citizenry brought joy to Nigerians. Nigeria went into Afcon stumbling and bumbling but came out as a top up and coming team in Africa. So why is it that th Nff have not been able to leverage the teams’s success into sponsorships? The team needs money to get better, to pay players and coaches, travel etc. At a time the team is most marketable, why is it that the Nff is unable to get sponsorships?

We have high aspirations as a team. To win Afcon, make it to the WC semis at least, even win the WC. It requires money, the best coaches, facilities, travel arrangements, scouting and, yes, Doctors. We need sponsors.

Sponsorship?
Have you tried getting sponsorship in Nigeria even at the best of times?
As for foreign sponsors, I’m not sure the general Nigerian football climate right now would give any investor the confidence to move in.

Things are tough but business is still going on in Nigeria daily with big companies still making Nbillions . Telcom, food and beverage, clothing and consumables are always in demand regardless of the economic situation. NFF should be able to squeez out a reasonable amount every year to fund its operations.

I AGREE THAT BUSINESS CONTINUES, BUT...


...you might be overestimating the NFF. It is a big obstacle in the way. This is an org that is always led by clueless people without a vision, innovativeness or creativity. They come with questionable qualifications and see the NFF as a source of corrupt living instead of helping to move Nigerian football forward. You can't expect much from them.
Bell

[goke313]

NFF is still operated like a charity instead of a private company. Outside of Nike which earns most of their Nigerian merch revenue outside of Nigeria, what organization would want to do business with the NFF?


*From my understanding, Nike US/UK/South Africa/other global websites do not ship to Nigeria.
*Most Nigerians in Nigeria wearing counterfeit Nike merchandise.

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

Nationwide League One Unveils N964m Title Sponsorship Deal

The third-tier Nigerian league, Nationwide League One (NLO), on Thursday in Abuja signed a four-year title sponsorship deal worth ₦964 million with New Year Mega Lottery.

The collaboration between the Nationwide League One and New Year Mega Lottery is intended to effectively promote and elevate the status of grassroots football in the country, aiming to establish it as a prominent Nigerian spectacle Representing New Year Mega Lottery, Ms. Obiorah Emmanuella, Head of Corporate Communications, said:
“We are thrilled to enter this sponsorship deal with the Nationwide League One (NLO) and engage a large audience through our brand.

https://www.completesports.com/nationwi ... ship-deal/

Through this collaboration, we are also excited to connect with the future generation of football athletes at the grassroots level across Nigeria and help them grow. The company’s strong commitment to nurturing and empowering talents, fostering opportunities, and gratifying fans within its market are among the primary motivations for aligning with the NLO.”

[greg]

Nationwide League One Unveils N964m Title Sponsorship Deal

The third-tier Nigerian league, Nationwide League One (NLO), on Thursday in Abuja signed a four-year title sponsorship deal worth ₦964 million with New Year Mega Lottery.

The collaboration between the Nationwide League One and New Year Mega Lottery is intended to effectively promote and elevate the status of grassroots football in the country, aiming to establish it as a prominent Nigerian spectacle Representing New Year Mega Lottery, Ms. Obiorah Emmanuella, Head of Corporate Communications, said:
“We are thrilled to enter this sponsorship deal with the Nationwide League One (NLO) and engage a large audience through our brand.

https://www.completesports.com/nationwi ... ship-deal/

Through this collaboration, we are also excited to connect with the future generation of football athletes at the grassroots level across Nigeria and help them grow. The company’s strong commitment to nurturing and empowering talents, fostering opportunities, and gratifying fans within its market are among the primary motivations for aligning with the NLO.”

There is a ton of money sitting on the sidelines with their owners looking for ways to use it. Sometimes all that somebody has to do is open their mouth and ask for help. When they close mouth and say "nobody will give us", then of course they get nothing. Self-fulfilling prophesy.

[Damunk]

Nationwide League One Unveils N964m Title Sponsorship Deal

The third-tier Nigerian league, Nationwide League One (NLO), on Thursday in Abuja signed a four-year title sponsorship deal worth ₦964 million with New Year Mega Lottery.

The collaboration between the Nationwide League One and New Year Mega Lottery is intended to effectively promote and elevate the status of grassroots football in the country, aiming to establish it as a prominent Nigerian spectacle Representing New Year Mega Lottery, Ms. Obiorah Emmanuella, Head of Corporate Communications, said:
“We are thrilled to enter this sponsorship deal with the Nationwide League One (NLO) and engage a large audience through our brand.

https://www.completesports.com/nationwi ... ship-deal/

Through this collaboration, we are also excited to connect with the future generation of football athletes at the grassroots level across Nigeria and help them grow. The company’s strong commitment to nurturing and empowering talents, fostering opportunities, and gratifying fans within its market are among the primary motivations for aligning with the NLO.”

There is a ton of money sitting on the sidelines with their owners looking for ways to use it. Sometimes all that somebody has to do is open their mouth and ask for help. When they close mouth and say "nobody will give us", then of course they get nothing. Self-fulfilling prophesy.

You do know that you could make a very tidy comission simply by brokering a deal for the NFF, accessing this ton of money of which you speak so eloquently.
End of day, everyone is happy!

Go for it bro!