Barring any last-minute change, indications are high that with a $5.0 million sponsorship package delivered, the Nigerian Football League (NFL) will experience growth ahead of the 2023/2024 season.
This is because GTI Assets Management and Trust Limited, a financial services company, and Propel Sports Africa were formally unveiled during a press conference on Tuesday.
Present during the media conference are stakeholders in the football circuit, media, and sports management in the country, including some Nigerian ex-international footballers.
The idea, according to the GTI, is to make the Nigeria Football Professional League (NFPL) more attractive as well as change the narratives of running football in the country.
Even, Pixellot, the world's leading provider of Al-automated sports video and data solutions and ITV Africa, also announced its partnership with the NPL, GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited and Propel Sports Africa aimed at revolutionizing sports coverage in the country.
At the unveiling ceremony held at the company’s Lagos office, Group Managing Director of GTI, Abubakar Lawal, attributed the success to an act of God.
While noting that without the God factor the partnership would not have yielded the desired result, Lawal promised that his firm would help Nigerian football grow and compete favourably with other leagues in the world.
According to him, "In the perception of the ordinary eye, we have lost money, but, we are going to make money, the federal government, state governments, investing public, the fans, and the sport will make money”.
Equally, addressing the press briefing, the Chairman of Propel Sports Africa, Basil Kabbani, pointed out that the deal will see the company commence the streaming of NPFL matches on a dedicated platform which will be known as ‘NPFL Live’ with effect from 2023/2024 season.
He further revealed that the project has been enabled by the world’s most advanced Al Technology and that the NPFL will be the first African Football League to deploy the technology.
In his words: “The Prime systems utilize advanced Al algorithms and automated cameras to deliver an immersive viewing experience in broadcast quality. The system captures every moment of the game, ensuring that no action is missed.
“In addition to the expanded game coverage, GTI and Propel Sports will also provide the NPFL with an over-The-Top platform, 'NPFL Live'.
“With this dedicated App allowing fans to enjoy live matches and exclusive content anytime and anywhere while the OTT solution will be customized to reflect the NPFL branding and provide a seamless user experience, for football enthusiasts here in Nigeria and throughout the world.”
Basil Kabbani however, appealed to Nigerians to help the partnership work as it will benefit both footballers, club sides, players, and fans.
Kabanni said: "Nigeria is a country with more than 200 million people, and many of the populace are passionate about football. We have travelled to some cities in Nigeria and are hopeful that the partnership will work as it will benefit many, and we appeal to Nigerians to support it to work”.
The Chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), Gbenga Elegbeleye, expressed confidence that the deal will usher in a new beginning in Nigerian football, just as he commended GTI for what it is doing to change the face of professional football in the country.
Elegbeleye maintained that his dream is to see the lowest-paid player in the Nigerian League going home with at least N1 million, which he hopes will make the league attractive to players from other African countries.
On his part, the Executive Director of GTI, Nelson Ine, described the deal as the game changer which will herald the transformation of the Nigerian Football economy which the public and the respective stakeholders have been waiting for.
According to him, “With this innovative approach, the NPFL will elevate its coverage to new heights and get national and international exposure to the local talents playing in the league”.
In appreciating GTI and its partners for the financial boost, Davidson Owumi, Chief Operating Officer, IMC said a new lease of life has been injected into the country’s league which will help project the game and the players to the world.
All rights reserved. This material and other digital volumes on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from THE NEWS ACCELERATOR NETWORK.
For advert placement, please contact thenewsacceleratornetwork@gmail.com or 08033599492.
إرسال تعليق