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By Ojeikere Aikhoje
SportsBusiness Writer
Social Media is already abuzz with Naija Super 8 tournament slated for June 2023.
From Sokoto to Uyo and Lagos to Maiduguri, it’s all about NaijaSuper 8.
In this report, sportbusinessbrand.com’s OJEIKERE AIKHOJE writes about the new tournament that has captivated the entire nation and widely regarded as the game changer.
Designed by sports and entertainment outfit, FlyKite Productions, Naija Super 8 Tournament is a new off season tournament which seeks to boost the role of fans and revitalize fan engagement in Nigeria.
Once upon a time, fans converged on stadia for football matches. However, in recent times, numbers have reached an all-time low.
Today’s young football fans didn’t witness the good days of club football in the country and the Naija Super 8 seeks to create fresh consciousness for fan engagement.
The core creative idea behind this is “Football Is Home” and it is about shaping the future of domestic clubs and the football industry.
Target
With entertainment and football combined, target will be younger fans within the 18-30 years range. These are teenagers and young adults who seek for fun.
Consider the way technology has transformed football consumption through the use of mobile phones, then young football fans clearly remain core target.
Moreover, it represents a huge opportunity for those above 30 who have a knowledge of clubs with history and tradition like Bendel Insurance, Enyimba, Shooting Stars, Rangers et al to reconnect with their first love.
Everyone has a reason to connect with Naija Super 8.
Social Media
Social Media is playing a significant role with a Facebook Page, Instagram as well as Twitter Accounts, Naija Super 8 is already getting clubs to understand the importance of fan engagement.
Clubs are also reaching out to their fans using both platforms for engagement.
Format
Fans to vote teams into the tournament and two teams will qualify from each zone through the voting process.
Both teams from each zone will go through a playoff to produce one each from the six zones.
Two WildCard teams will join the already qualified six to complete 8 for the tournament.
All eight teams will converge on Lagos for the inaugural Naija Super 8.
Voting started on April 10 and continues till May 10, 2023.
Sponsorship
With massive support from leading brands in the country, NaijaSuper 8 has set a record in domestic football.
The lineup includes telecommunications giant, MTN, beverage brand, PEPSI, Pay TV providers, DStv and GOtv, SuperSport as well as payment solution provider, moniepoint.
Live matches on SuperSport
For those who have missed matches of Nigerian teams on SuperSport, NaijaSuper 8 promises a return of domestic action.
Prize money
Another unique aspect of the tournament is its Prize money. See breakdown below:
Winner: N25 million
Runner-up: N9million
Per Game: N3million
Zonal Play Offs: N2mllion
MVP: N250,000
About Ojeikere Aikhoje:
Aikhoje is a Nigerian football journalist cum PR practitioner, who works for Lagos based Sports PR and Sponsorship Activation agency: www.matchroom.com.ng.
He writes about strategic communications/marketing, branding and sponsorship.
You can follow him on Twitter: @ojeksaikhoje
