A major relief came the way of the Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF), yesterday, as the management of Aiteo Group, an energy
company, doled out a financial boost worth around N2.5 billion over the next
five years. The money is purely for payment of coaches handling the various
national teams.
At the signing ceremony witnessed by stakeholders in the
football industry at Eko Hotel and Suites, the Deputy Managing Director of
Aiteo, Mr. Francis Peter said the deal would commence on 1 May, and will last
for five years with an initial option of a one-year extension.
“Aiteo is Nigeria’s foremost integrated energy solution
company, and has taken up sponsorship of NFF. The deal is the first in the
country sports sponsorship and will be referred to as ‘Official Optimum Partner
of the NFF. The financial obligation to Aiteo Group for this partnership is
been valued at N500millin annually and the official marketing agency is
Mediterranean,” he stated.
“Aiteo Group’s overarching social responsibility objectives
are to encourage a positive impact, through our activities on the
society-at-large and has successfully done so for several years. Football
brings joy to Nigerians,” Aiteo’s Senior Manager, Corporate Communications,
Ndiana-Abasi Matthew, said.
An elated NFF President, Amaju Pinnick described the partnership
as wonderful saying: “This will make it easier for us to plan adequately for
our national teams. It is important to note that this will also take care of
the national team coaches’ salaries.”
Pinnick disclosed that the NFF spent as least N250m for
every match played by the Super Eagles, adding that with Aiteo now taking care
of payment of the coaches’ salaries, the federation’s major trouble is now a
thing of the past.
“This lucrative deal with Aiteo will cover all the national
teams, and we are very happy to have a sponsor at this crucial time. This is a
big boost for our football. A journey we started two years ago, and with the
coming of Aiteo Group, I see this journey leading us to the World Cup,” Pinnick
stated.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai and winger,
Victor Ikpeba, were among those who witnessed the signing ceremony. Rufai said
the partnership between the NFF and Aiteo was worth commending.
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