Partnership deals have become a driving force in the development of sports assets globally, and Nigeria being a sport-loving country is never an exception.

From economic growth to social empowerment, partnership deals have the power to transform the trajectory of sports and the lives of those connected to it.

These collaborations often involve financial investments, sponsorships, brand activations and technological integration which are essential for advancing the sports ecosystem.

As a kicker, sports assets encompass the tangible and intangible components within the sports industry.

Typical examples of sports assets include leagues, tournaments, teams/clubs, stadia, broadcasting rights and other intellectual properties that drive entertainment, fan-engagement cum revenue generation.

In Nigeria, prominent examples of sports assets include the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the President Federation Cup (PFC).

Both serve as national treasures that showcase football talent and the promotion of a unifying spirit across the country.

As noted earlier, these assets are not just platforms for competition; they are tools for community development, talent discovery and international representation.

They hold immense potential to contribute to Nigeria’s economy or GDP, enhancement of the global image of the country and promote corporate brands when managed effectively.

For example, in the past three years, GTI Group has remained focused, resolute and at the forefront of helping in restructuring and repositioning the elite league in the country by laying a solid structure that drives positively the business aspect of the beautiful game.

Thus, partnerships in sports assets involve strategic alliances between sports entities and corporate organizations. These alliances are not limited to financial sponsorships; they often include branding opportunities and media rights collaborations.

For instance, companies invest in sports assets to increase visibility and align their brand with the passion of sports fans. In return, sports organizations benefit from this support by improving their infrastructure, operational systems, enhancing professionalism and expanding their reach.

This win-win scenario drives the industry forward, creating an environment conducive for innovation and growth.

Globally, sponsorships have helped to drive social change and community development. A prime example is MasterCard’s collaboration with Major League Baseball, which integrates social causes like cancer awareness into its sponsorship strategy.

Similarly, various sports events are organized to promote advocacy for healthy living. Partnerships can help align commercial success with social impact, benefitting both brands and the communities they serve.

The Media and Publicity department of GTI Group has continuously emphasized the critical role of Corporate Nigeria and other International

Conglomerates in supporting sports assets. These partnership deals have the capacity to unlock opportunities for economic growth and global competitiveness. Such investments are not only financially rewarding but also socially impactful, as they contribute to talent development, community building, and national pride.

The socio-economic gains of sports asset partnership deals could be summarized below:

1. Boosts GDP: By attracting investments, partnership deals create job opportunities in areas like event management, broadcasting and merchandising; thereby enhancing economic activities for these sports assets cum GDP of the country.

2. Talent Development: Sponsorships often fund grassroots programmes and help enable the discovery and nurturing of future stars in various sports disciplines.

3. Empowering Youth: Sports partnerships empower the socio-economic development of the youths, steering them away from negative influences like crime and fostering a culture of discipline and excellence.

4. Promoting inclusivity and unity: Sports have a unique ability to bring people together, while partnerships amplify this impact by supporting initiatives that promote social cohesion and community development.

These partnerships underscore GTI’s commitment to fostering growth in the sports sector by enhancing infrastructure, professionalism, and global competitiveness which Corporate Nigeria should latch on to take sports development to the next level in the country.

Therefore, we urge local and multinational corporate brands to exploit partnership deals with the NPFL, PFC and other sports assets for mutual benefits in order to build a vibrant sports economy we all crave.

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The Federal Capital Territory is set to host the 2024 Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

According to a statement released by Samuel Ahmadu, the NWFL Media Director, the NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi,  has confirmed that all arrangements have been finalised for the event, which will take place at Fabino by Toprank Hotels, Abuja.

The AGA meeting promises to be a significant gathering in charting a way forward for the women’s football rising agenda and the women’s football leagues in Nigeria.

Key stakeholders, including board members and representatives of Premiership and Championship clubs, will review the successes and challenges of the outgone 2023/2024 season.

Notably, Edo Queens emerged champions of the NWFL Premiership for the first time, while Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels secured promotion to the Premiership from the NWFL Championship.

The AGM will also focus on sustaining the league’s growing credibility and improving operations while setting the calendar and start date for the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership and Championship campaigns.

This pivotal meeting aims to further strengthen women’s football in Nigeria and lay the groundwork for the league’s continued growth.

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Players and officials of Nigeria’s U15 Boys, Future Eagles, will depart the country in the early hours of Wednesday, 11^th December for Morocco, where the team is scheduled to face their Moroccan counterparts in two international friendly games.

This will be the team’s first international experience since the inception of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) in the country.

Head of delegation, Nasiru Jibril said playing Morocco is a deliberate attempt and a pragmatic way of equipping the young, talented players discovered in the country through the FIFA Talent Development Scheme.

He noted that exposing the players to the best facilities and playing internationally will further shape the country’s awakening with regards to the impending annual AFCON U17 and annual FIFA U17 tournaments.

“With the introduction of the annual U17 AFCON and FIFA World Cup, it is going to be difficult if we don’t have such programs going for us. I think the FIFA Talent Development Scheme has come at the right time, and is helpful to Nigeria football. 

Morocco is the place to which we have the most access, in terms of an organized place where we can go to, and people who already have the same kind of project we have running. 

Therefore, it is easier and better for us to go and play their own team because they have a team similar to our own.”

A delegation of 22 players and 6 officials, with Coach Patrick Bassey at the head of the coaching crew, will make the trip. The two matches have been scheduled for the Complexe Mohammed VI de Football on the 12^th and 15^th December, with kick-off time of 5pm local time on both days.

22 FUTURE EAGLES FOR MOROCCO

Goalkeepers: Isaac Tomiwa (Mees Palace); Johnson Amaagudi (Ajarah FA); Somtochukwu Ibe (Adoration FC)

Defenders: Nicodemus Gideon (Relentless FA); Raphael Umah (Udi Stars FA); Luka Ephraim (Sporting Lagos); Muhammad Shamsudeen (Mavlon FC); Samuel Yusuf (Stormer FA)

Midfielders: Praise Averwosou (Morak FC); Uwem Bassey (2S Academy); Farwas Adeleke (Lanreleke FA); Raheem Salaudeen (Buruj FC); Kunle Tokode (White Caps FC, Canada); Ighodaro Dominion (Bendel Insurance Youth Team); Obasahon Emmanuel (Dynamo FA)   

Forwards: Samuel Essien (PSports FA); Abubakar Abdulrazaq (Simon Ben FA); Ogar Timothy (Mavlon FC); Yusuf Saminu (Kano Pillars U15); Ebube Oyari (Sensational FA); Sha’Aban Musa (School Sports); Yusuf Auwal (Peace FA)