GTI Woos Corporate Nigeria As Euromatch NPFL Eyes Africa’s Top Spot

• Says $7.5m Euromatch deal signals new era for domestic football

 

GTI Group, strategic partner to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), has challenged corporate Nigeria to invest in the domestic league as it targets a place among Africa’s elite football competitions.

The Group’s Managing Director, Abubakar Lawal, made the call on Thursday at a media conference held at GTI’s corporate headquarters on Lagos Island ahead of the 2026/2027 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Lawal described the arrival of Euromatch as the league’s new title sponsor, in a $7.5 million deal, as a significant milestone and a strong indication of renewed commercial confidence in Nigerian football.

The deal is the first major title sponsorship for the NPFL since Globacom exited the league about 15 years ago.

Welcoming Euromatch to the NPFL, Lawal said the company’s investment represented more than a commercial partnership, stressing that it had demonstrated the growing potential of Nigeria’s domestic football industry.

“Let me use this golden opportunity to welcome Euromatch to the Nigeria Premier Football League. Your decision to invest in the NPFL is a strong vote of confidence in Nigerian football and in the enormous opportunities that exist within our domestic sports ecosystem and the economy at large,” he said.

He added: “We are particularly delighted that Euromatch has chosen to become part of the NPFL journey at this defining moment. Your arrival represents not merely a commercial partnership, but a statement that our elite league has the potential to become one of the most compelling football properties on the African continent.”

The event was attended by senior members of the GTI Group management team, including Mitchell Obi, Executive Vice Chairman, Mastersports International Limited, and Kunle Solaja, publisher of Sports Village Square, among other stakeholders.

Since GTI Group entered into a strategic partnership with the NPFL in 2022, the financial services group has been at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the league’s commercial outlook and reposition it for greater visibility.

Lawal said the NPFL’s current ranking as the fifth-best league in Africa was evidence of the progress recorded, but insisted that Nigeria must set its sights beyond its present position.

“The NPFL is currently ranked fifth in Africa by FIFA, a position that reflects the quality, competitiveness and growing stature of our elite domestic competition.

“But we must not be satisfied with fifth place. Our ambition must be to build an NPFL that competes among the very best leagues in Africa and, ultimately, becomes a globally recognised football brand,” he said.

With Euromatch’s investment providing fresh impetus, Lawal urged businesses within and outside Nigeria to become part of the league’s growth story.

“I would therefore like to use this opportunity to make a passionate appeal to corporate Nigeria and to businesses beyond our shores to come and invest in the Nigeria Premier Football League,” he said.

According to him, the NPFL offers businesses a platform for brand visibility, consumer engagement, community impact and long-term commercial returns, given the geographical spread of its clubs and the passion for football across the country.

“The NPFL offers enormous possibilities for companies seeking visibility, brand engagement, community impact and long-term commercial opportunities. Our football clubs are spread across the country, giving sponsors an unparalleled opportunity to connect with diverse communities and millions of passionate consumers,” Lawal said.

He stressed, however, that the benefits of investing in the league extend beyond commercial returns, describing football as an important vehicle for youth development, employment, talent discovery and grassroots development.

“But beyond commercial returns, investing in the NPFL is an investment in our young people. It is an investment in talent development, employment, entertainment, grassroots football and the future of the Super Eagles,” he said.

Lawal said GTI’s involvement in the NPFL was driven by the belief that football could become a significant economic and social enterprise if the right structures, investment and professionalism were sustained.

He also called for a collective effort among government, club owners, the Nigeria Football Federation, media, fans and the private sector to build a stronger and more commercially viable domestic league.

“We believe the time has come for more stakeholders to join this journey. Government has a role. Club owners have a role. The Nigeria Football Federation has a role. The media has a role. Fans have a role. And, perhaps most importantly, the private sector has a major role to play.

“Today, Euromatch has demonstrated what is possible when corporate vision meets sporting potential.”

Lawal concluded with a confident outlook for the league, saying: “The future of the NPFL is bright. The opportunity is enormous. The time to invest is now.”