By Princewill Ekwujru

Months after the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season kicked off without a title sponsor. Star lager has been officially signed on as a partner in a bid to increase the brand profile of the league. The partnership agreement is expected to run from 2016 to the 2019/2020 football league season.

The Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL, run by the League Management Company, LMC, is beginning to hold its place as a veritable avenue for Nigeria’s teeming football fans that enjoy football game with all its entertainment and drama.

An average of 8000 fans attended games in the 2014/15 season, according to the LMC’s season review.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko said: “This partnership agreement with Star shows that there is opportunity for corporate Nigeria in our league and we hope that many more organisations will take advantage of football to reach their target market as we continue to build an attractive league.”

On his part, Managing Director, Nigeria Breweries, Nicolas Vervelde, said: “We are excited to sign this agreement with the LMC that sees us become the official beer of the NPFL for the next four seasons. It’s a partnership that we expect to bring excitement to Nigerian football and fans who love the domestic game.
“With a massive investment in the NPFL through this new partnership, Star will be able to connect its message of vibrancy and excitement with football fans across the country.”

The partnership would see Star provide excitement to fans during matches through activations, music and fun games at match venues. Fans would be able to win signed memorabilia, replica match balls and jerseys as well as key rings.

According to Emmanuel Aja, a band analyst with Curve ommunications, “with a major artner like Star, the NPFL will be assured of the support of a major Nigerian brand that has expertise in connecting people and ensuring relationships are nurtured in fun ways. In turn, this will open the doors to other corporations to invest in the league.

The domestic league is the lifeline of the Nigerian national teams, Star would inadvertently be helping create a platform for young Nigerians to achieve their dreams of wearing the Green and White.

John Faris, a guest at the sgning ceremony stated: “Media spending will increase as the partnership will see Star invest in the publication of match fixtures and reviews as well as statistics in various media channels.

“For those wondering what Star would get in return for its huge investment in the NPFL, it is worthy to note that the brand is cementing its place as a friend of the domestic game.It would support the passion of local fans from Awka to Kaduna, Bauchi to Uyo and across Nigeria. Over the coming seasons, fans would find no better way to enjoy their Nigerian league games than over bottles of Star Lager. Truly, great times are here for fans of the NPFL,” he noted.