NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko (second from left), NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau (second from right), Long (left)and Adigun (right)
By Emma Jemegah
Carloha, the exclusive dealer and franchise holder of Cherry vehicles in Nigeria, yesterday signed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to support the development of football in the country.
This collaboration underscores Carloha’s commitment to fostering sports excellence and empowering talents in Nigeria’s football ecosystem.
The official signing ceremony, which took place at Carloha’s head office in Alapere, Lagos, was attended by Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC); Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF); CEO of Carloha, Liang Long; Sola Adigun, Carloha’s Managing Director; Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee and; Aisha Falode, Member of the NFF Executive Committee.
Managing Director of Carloha Nigeria, Sola Adigun disclosed that the sponsorship is worth N500 million one year renewable deal.
“This collaboration is more than a sponsorship, it’s a commitment to the growth and development of Nigerian football at all levels,” Adigun said, stressing that “through this partnership, we aim to garner support for the national teams and create opportunities for Nigerian footballers to excel both locally and internationally.”
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 projects and programmes.
In his words: “At Carloha, we believe in investing in the future of sports development in Nigeria, especially supporting our National Teams. This partnership with the NFF is a step towards strengthening the game of football, by ensuring that players and teams receive the necessary support to excel on both local and international stages.”
“As a leading automotive brand, Carloha recognises the unifying power of football in Nigeria and seeks to leverage its resources to enhance the sport’s infrastructure and talent development. Through this partnership, Carloha and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will work together to support the national teams and contribute to the overall advancement of football in the country.
The CEO of Carloha, Liang Long asserted that football is the most supported sport all over the world, adding that the Super Eagles is the best team in Africa, hence the company decide to partner with the NFF.
“The Super Eagles is the best team in Africa and Cherry is the best car. It’s a symbolic relationship,” Long added.
President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa 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.”
Speaking also at the event, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko praised the NFF and Carloha for coming into a relationship that is certain to work wonders for the Nigeria game.
“The NSC is happy for the NFF and Carloha coming into this relationship, and we believe it will open more doors for corporate bodies to seek partnership with sports federations in the country,” he said.
The signing ceremony was indeed a memorable occasion, bringing together the football and business communities in celebration of this milestone partnership. As Carloha continues to champion sports development, this collaboration with the NFF is expected to open new opportunities for Nigeria football to thrive.