By Francis Ajuonuma
Strategic partners to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited have promised to take Nigeria’s most glamorous football competition, the Federation Cup to the next level.
GTI’s Group Managing Director, Abubakar Lawal, who made the promise on Friday April 19, 2024 in Lagos during the official signing of partnership deal with the NFF and the Sports Ministry to relaunch the Federation Cup, to be now known as President Federation Cup, explained that the company will use The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) as a vehicle to actualise the dream.
According to him, GTI strongly believe the President Federation Cup organisation must be a topnotch with support of all stakeholders.
“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), we have taken another bold step to support the FA Cup.Our company is also strategically involved in ensuring that the President Federation Cup is given the necessary attention and support to thrive, using TNFF as our vehicle to actualise the dream. Therefore, it is our vision that the oldest domestic football event becomes one of the best organized football events in the world in no distance future.
“We have kicked -started the transformation journey of taking Nigerian Football to the next level with GTI involvement as strategic partners to the NFF on the Federation Cup. The positive feedback from the ongoing NPFL 2023/2024 Season is a testament to the immediate impact in Nigeria football development,” he said.
As part of effort to attract more teams in the President Federation Cup, the GTI boss revealed that expenses of all teams that made it to the quarterfinals and beyond will be the responsibility of GTI.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi, not indulging in religious politics – Media Aide
In his remarks, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh, commended GTI for their immense support to the growth of Nigerian Football, noting that the partnership with GTI will no doubt boost the competition in the country.
“I’m confident that this collaboration between the NFF, GTI, and the Ministry of Sports Development will restore glory, increase viewership, and breathe new life into the President Federation Cup.
“By signing this agreement with GTI, we aim to re-establish the renamed competition on the nation and international football calendar, involving grassroots teams, creating employment for approximately 500,000 Nigerians engaging over 100,000,000 football enthusiasts, rejuvenatii talent pipeline, fostering national pride, and showcasing Nigeria’s greatness globally,” he added.
