Nigerian Breweries joins the list of sponsors who will back the Super Eagles at this summer's World Cup

NIGERIA'S Super Eagles have just received another big boost ahead of this summer's World Cup as beverage giants Nigerian Breweries has announced that it will sign a sponsorship and brand deal with the team.

Last month, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), signed a five-year partnership deal with softy drinks giant Coca-Cola, worth over $4m. Following the deal signed at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, Coca-Cola became the official World Cup sponsor of the Super Eagles as well as other Nigerian national teams.

Adding its weight to the Super Eagles campaign too, Nigerian Breweries said it will be going into the deal with two out of its premium brands Star Lager and Amstel Malta. Nigerian Breweries managing director Jordi Borrut Bel, explained that the company and the NFF have agreed that Star Lager, should be the official alcoholic drink of the Super Eagles while Amstel Malta, will be the official malt drink of the NFF and the national teams.

He added that the two brands will be providing support to players and coaching crews, as well as premium satisfaction to over 180m passionate fans that will be cheering the Super Eagles and other national teams before, during and after their international matches. Nigeria kicks off her World Cup campaign on June 16 against Croatia and will be facing Iceland and Argentina in the group stages too.

Mr Bel said: “We are indeed delighted about this partnership between Nigerian Breweries and the NFF. This relationship provides us an opportunity to celebrate the true Nigerian spirit that is fuelled by patriotism, passion and desire for victory, through the platform of football."

Franco Maria Maggi, Nigerian Breweries marketing director, added: “We are entering this partnership with a focus on a long-term commitment. It is an honour for us to start working closely together with the Nigeria Football Federation.

“Star Lager has always been a strong supporter of Nigerian football and its fans, while Amstel Malta is well known for inspiring people to be the best they can be. We are dedicated to the growth of Nigerian football at all levels.

According to Mr Maggi, a number of activities have been lined up, starting with an official contracts exchange ceremony holding on Friday February 9 in Lagos. NFF president, Amaju Pinnick described the brewing company as an organisation that has been a torchbearer of excellence and corporate social responsibility for the several decades it has operated in Nigeria.

Mr Pinnick said the federation was excited and fulfilled to seal the agreements with Nigerian Breweries, stating that it would abide by every letter of the contract. Founded in November 1946, Nigerian Breweries is the pioneer and largest brewing company in Nigeria, serving both Nigerian and West African markets.