NFF, Globacom Part Company

After five years of a sometimes stormy partnership, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Globacom have finally parted ways.

Globacom’s N150 million sponsorship of the Nigerian national teams came to an end on Tuesday December 8, and with both parties failing to agree on the valuation of the properties, the relationship was finally severed.

According to Idris Adama, NFF’s Head of Marketing, the Globacom valuation of the property fell far short of what the NFF value is.

“They had a right for first refusal in the contract, and we offered the property to them at N1 billion. They came back to us with N 165 million, that is a 10 percent increase on the former contract,” Adama told Tidesports’ source.

The NFF rejected the offer out of hand, and on Tuesday, they sent a letter of appreciation to Globacom thanking the company for its meritorious service to Nigeria football within its short span of existence.

In a letter signed by Deputy General Secretary (General Services), Barrister Musa Amadu, the NFF stated: “We wish to formally inform you that our contractual relationship has today 8th December, 2009 legally terminated.

“We also acknowledge your immense support and contribution through various sponsorship drives on the overall development of football in Nigeria. Indeed, we feel honoured to have been your partner in this laudable venture of advancing the cause of the game of football in Nigeria.

“While acknowledging with thanks all your support in the last five years, we do sincerely wish you success in your future endeavours while assuring you that the Nigeria Football Federation will definitely build on the gains thus far acquired.”

Globacom, Nigeria’s national carrier, had signed a five-year agreement with the then NFA back in December 2004 for exclusive sponsorship rights to all the national teams and the contract expires legally on Wednesday.

Globacom has done much to support Nigeria football at home and abroad, and is today the proud sponsor of the annual African Football Awards, which rewards the best footballers of African extraction in different areas of the game.

Globacom also sponsors the elite Premier League on the domestic scene.