Carloha partners with NFF to lift football, plans Chery CKD auto plant in Lagos

By Moses Akaigwe

Corporate sponsorship of football and sports generally reached a milestone recently in Lagos when Carloha Nigeria, the company behind the soaring profile of the Chery auto brand in Nigeria, signed a partnership agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Mr. Okey Obi of NFF Legal Unit and NSC Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, standing next to Chery Tiggo 4 PRO inside Carloha showroom in Alapere, Lagos

As the official franchise holder and assembler of Chery vehicles in the country, Carloha Nigeria’s groundbreaking partnership with the football federation is regarded as a major landmark for both the sports and the automotive industries.

At the signing ceremony, which took place on February 19, 2025, at the Carloha Showroom in Alapere, Lagos, the innovative auto company received an applause when it also announced it would commence the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) production of Chery vehicles in Lagos by 2026.

The event had in attendance top dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko; the President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau; CEO of Carloha, Mr. Liang Long; and the Managing Director, Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Sola Adigun.

The ceremony was also attended by the Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee,Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa; and Member, NFF Executive Committee, Ms Aisha Falode, sports journalists, motoring journalists, and key stakeholders. 

The partnership reinforces Carloha’s commitment to supporting Nigerian football, aligning with its vision to promote excellence, mobility, and national development through sports.

This collaboration is set to enhance the development of football in Nigeria, and reinforce Carloha’s presence as a key player in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem. 

Underscoring these goals in his welcome address, the Managing Director of Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Sola Adigun, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating that the partnership aims to have a long-lasting impact on football’s growth by providing essential support to grassroots and professional football initiatives.

He emphasized that Carloha’s association with the NFF extends beyond vehicle provision; it is about building a long-term relationship that drives success for Nigerian football both locally and internationally. 

In same vein, the CEO of Carloha, Mr. Long described the partnership as auspicious, saying the company is determined to drive the Super Eagles to overtake their opponents and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, as a priority project.

“Football is the most popular sport in the world. The Super Eagles is the best team in Africa and we are happy to have the opportunity to support Nigeria football, as the best car company in Nigeria,” Long stated

Also speaking at the event, President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, highlighted the significance of private sector involvement in sports development: “We are excited to welcome Carloha on board as a key partner in our mission to elevate Nigeria football. With their support, we can further develop programmes that will benefit our teams and the millions of football lovers across the country.”

In his keynote address, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing its strategic importance to Nigerian football. He commended Carloha for its unwavering support and investment in the sport, noting that the collaboration will contribute significantly to the smooth running of the federation’s activities. 

The event also witnessed engaging interactions between sports journalists, motoring journalists, and key stakeholders, who discussed the impact of such partnerships on sports and business development in Nigeria. Guests were conducted on a tour of the Carloha showroom, where they experienced the latest Chery models and learned about the brand’s innovative automotive solutions tailored for Nigerian roads. 

A key highlight of the ceremony was the official signing of the agreement, a symbolic moment that signified the beginning of a transformative journey between Carloha and the NFF.

The event was further amplified by a media briefing, where both parties reiterated their shared vision of driving progress through this collaboration. 

The successful hosting of the signing ceremony underscores Carloha’s growing influence in Nigeria’s sporting community and its role in fostering impactful partnerships. With this alliance, Carloha is poised to strengthen Chery brand positioning while contributing to the advancement of Nigerian football. 

As the partnership unfolds, football enthusiasts, stakeholders, and the general public can look forward to seeing Carloha’s active involvement in supporting the NFF’s initiatives. This milestone marks just the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship aimed at propelling Nigerian football to greater heights.

As Carloha continues to champion sports development, this collaboration with the NFF is expected to open new opportunities for Nigerian football to thrive.

Chery, as the leading exporter of Chinese vehicles, continues to maintain its position as the top automotive brand from China in the global market. 

Beyond its automotive success, Chery is also deeply committed to sports development, actively supporting various sporting events and initiatives worldwide.

One of the highpoints of the ceremony was the announcement that Carloha, plans to build “the largest CKD auto assembly plant in Nigeria “

The Managing Director, Mr. Sola Adigun disclosed that the company has been allotted land at the Lekki Free Zone by the Lagos State Government to commence the construction of the auto plant in the first quarter of 2026.

Others with Alhaji Dikko and Alhaji Gusau, were the NFF Head of Communications, Dr. Demola Olajire, and Okey Obi, Esq of the Legal Unit.