WorldStage– The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has secured a kit sponsorship deal with global sportswear brand Adidas worth 8.5 million dollars annually.
Ibrahim Gusau, the immediate past President of the NFF, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, saying the agreement had been concluded and signed.
Gusau said Adidas would pay the federation 4.5 million dollars annually in cash and provide kits valued at four million dollars yearly for Nigeria’s national teams.
“We made all the inquiries that we needed to make. It is about the highest kit sponsorship in Africa.
“No country in Africa has that kind of sponsorship.
“Adidas will be giving Nigeria 4.5 million dollars every year in cash, and then they are going to provide kits worth four million dollars every year for our teams,” he said.
The former NFF president said the details of the agreement were initially expected to be made public around September.
He said, however, that he considered it necessary to disclose the development following the completion and signing of the contract.
According to Gusau, the deal is part of the federation’s efforts to improve the commercial fortunes of Nigerian football.
He said the agreement also included a royalty component, which could generate additional revenue for the NFF through the sale of Adidas products.
Gusau said Adidas had a wider retail presence in Nigeria, which would make official Nigeria kits more accessible to football fans.
“Adidas is visible everywhere, with about 13 shops across the country, and they promised that within the next couple of years, they are going to increase their shops to about 32.
“Within that range, the NFF will have about 20 per cent royalties from whatever sales they make,” he said.
Gusau said the potential earnings from the royalty arrangement could not yet be quantified but described the agreement as a major commercial opportunity for Nigerian football.
He said the deal would contribute significantly to the federation’s plans and provide greater support for Nigeria’s national teams.
Gusau had earlier on Thursday announced his resignation as President of the NFF, ending his three years and 11 months in office.
