Sports Business Brand Latest Brand News, Sports, Entertainment, Marketing, Sponsorships
By Ojeikere Aikhoje
Football is more than just a sport; it is a global obsession, a cultural phenomenon, and most importantly, a financial behemoth.
The Premier League fits this analysis and is unarguably the biggest football league in the world.
With sponsorship from brands in diverse sectors and across different geographical regions, the United Kingdom remains the biggest beneficiary.
According to Business Insider Africa: “Companies from various industries, including finance, automotive, and technology, are willing to invest millions just to be associated with the Premier League’s immense global brand.
“The impact of the Premier League’s financial dominance extends beyond the pitch. The league has helped boost the UK economy by creating jobs, generating massive tax revenues and attracting foreign investments.
“Cities with Premier League clubs benefit from tourism, as international fans travel to experience the thrill of live football”.
German legend, Franz Beckenbauer, added to the importance of football stimulating the economy. He said “all the carnival of football will begin in the name of football and end in economic calculation”.
Nigeria Premier Football League
Back home, there is a clarion call to boost the potential of the Nigeria Premier Football League, so it can make contributions to the local economy.
Pioneering this is West Africa’s largest independent chemical as well as oil and gas engineering solutions company, Eunisell.
The NPFL helps to ease employment pressure and transfer fee for football players is an important part of the macroeconomic market.
The continuous transfer of players from the NPFL to foreign teams makes it a key pillar of the Nigerian brand and image abroad and the hospitality sector has enjoyed patronage from 20 clubs spread across the country.
Eunisell
With intentional sponsorship of clubs over the years and an innovative Eunisell Boot Award, the brand has been stimulating the Nigerian economy.
Eunisell’s sponsorship is also a deliberate attempt to boost brand awareness of the NPFL to boost followership.
Eunisell Group Managing Director, Chika Ikenga, is advocating increased participation in the league by brands in Nigeria to raise awareness.
“We are passionate about contributing to the improved standard of the Nigerian League and see the need to create a new consciousness for Nigerian youths to begin their career in the league’, he stated.
Sharks and Rivers United (2015, 2016-2022)
Eunsell’s determination to grow the NPFL led to the sponsorship of defunct Sharks FC in 2015.
A year late, the club was merged with Dolphins, another cub owned by the Rivers State government and Rivers United was created.
Eunisell remained committed to its promises and continued sponsorship of the new clubs.
The sponsorship was uninterrupted for six years and by 2022, Rivers United were champions of Nigeria.
No doubt, the title was “icing on the cake” for Eunisell’s sponsorship of the team.
Eunisell’s unique sponsorship strategies and innovative engagement with coaches, players and fans remains an inspirational recipe for success.
Abia Warriors FC (2022/23 to date)
With the conclusion of its sponsorship with Rivers United, in 2022, Eunsell identified Abia Warriors as a potential for growth.
The Abia State owned team was hitherto a middle table team that struggled to make an impact domestically.
With Eunisell, Abia Warriors’ metamorphosis began gradually with the President Federation Cup final appearance in 2024.
The mission to win the Cup was unfulfilled, but Ikenga charged the team at a dinner to use the opportunity to turn adversity to success.
In 2025, the transformation was complete as Abia Warriors became a title contender.
The team eventually finished third on the log, its best ever appearance since becoming a top flight team.
To celebrate he team, Eunisell organised a dinner at the Lagos Continental Hotel.
Speaking at the dinner to celebrate Abia Warriors for finishing third in the 2024/25 NPFL season, Ikenga said:
“Eunisell will keep providing support through sponsorships, but more importantly, we will invest in football to help Nigerian youths and stimulate our economy. Yes, times are challenging, but we must do what we can to support Nigerian football.
“At Eunisell, we are pleased with what Abia Warriors has accomplished and we want the team to achieve even more.
“When we initiated our sponsorship, we set a target for the team to win the NPFL title. Until Abia Warriors achieve this goal, Eunisell will continue its sponsorship.
“Sponsorships are a two-way thing; they benefit both the club and sponsor”.
Appreciation
Former Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, applauded Eunisell for its commitment to the growth of domestic football.
Like Pinnick, Abia Warriors Chairman, John Obuh, equally lauded Eunisell.
“Eunisell has been exceptional for Abia Warriors. Whenever we travel to Lagos for NPFL matches or Cup games, they always host us to a lavish dinner”, he said.
Eunisell Boot Award
Football stars remain the main protagonists in the beautiful game.
This explains the connection between football stars and fans who seek for engagement with exceptional talents.
To create heroes in the NPFL and a reward system to celebrate them, Eunisell conceived the Eunisell Boot, in 2018.
With a premium value of N200,000 placed on each goal scored by the highest goal scorer in the league, Eunisell ensured a healthy competition was developed to boost goal scoring.
Previous winners include Junior Lokosa (2018), Mfon Udoh and Sunusi Ibrahim (2019), Israel Abia (2020) as well as Chijioke Akuneto (2022).
“The Eunisell Boot Award serves to boost more sponsorship and to increase revenue in the league”, Ikenga revealed.
The Eunisell Boot is the only award in global football with financial incentives attached to each goal scored by the winner.
From the onset of every season, the race is not just to be the top scorer, but the Eunisell Boot winner which challenges players to improve from their previous performance.
Engagement with fans ensures there is a connection to boost popularity of the players.
Lokosa, first winner of the award sees Eunisell as a significant stimulant of the Nigerian economy considering its dedication to the growth of the football industry in Nigeria.
“I want to commend Eunisell for their consistency since 2018. I am so happy to be part of the Eunisell Boot and I want to congratulate the winner, Anas Yusuf”, he stated.
Personal Branding
Beyond the financial incentive and recognition, Eunisell presents an opportunity for players in the NPFL to understand personal branding.
The biggest stars in global football have evolved into personal brands to boost their earnings.
With better understanding of personal branding, Eunisell enables the players to earn additional sources of income.
