Once more, the Nigeria Football Federation has taken exception to the penchant of some corporate organisations to try and appropriate glory not due to them through excellent performances of Nigeria’s National Teams at international level.
Following the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals after a 2-0 dismissal of Ethiopia on Saturday, which made for a 4-1 aggregate win, some corporate establishments have been at their pranks once more claiming part of the glory.
NFF’s Marketing Consultant, Mike Itemuagbor was livid on Monday after soft drinks behemoth, Coca-Cola put out an advertisement in the newspaper: Congratulations Team Nigeria – You Qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and We’re Behind You. Go On. Win It For Naija.
“We are shocked at the penchant of some organisations to sneak into the picture and try to claim they are among those who have been funding the Super Eagles. The public should be aware that all the
companies masquerading as supporters of Super Eagles are only doing so for their own merchantile interests. I will say Coca-Cola and Chivita are guilty in this regard.
“This is unacceptable, because they know the right channel to go if they want to be part of the team. The Nigeria Football Federation is receptive to offers for sponsorship in several categories but some of
the corporate institutions only want to be part of the team when it is winning.
“The Government of Nigeria and the NFF’s partners and sponsors should claim the glory for the string of successes that we have seen in our football this year. For those who are outside the frame, using the
name of the Super Eagles for campaigns and identifying their brand with the team is unprofessional and unacceptable, ” Itemuagbor said.
It would be recalled that on 7th February this year, the NFF was forced to issue a similar statement after some companies who are not NFF partners or sponsors jumped onto the wagon trying to give the
impression they were part of the Super Eagles’ performance that led to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
“The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to state without ambiguity that only its partners and sponsors have the rights and privileges to use the name of the Super Eagles for any campaigns, promotions or
mentions.
“We will not hesitate to take legal action against any company, institution or establishment that runs foul of this caution,” Itemuagbor added.
