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Eunisell Gold Boot: A Call For Fairness And Partnership

Eunisell Gold Boot: A Call For Fairness And Partnership

In a move that has sparked heated debate within the Nigerian football community, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, publicly criticized the Eunisell Gold Boot Award, describing its sponsor as “unscrupulous.” He went further, alleging “ambush marketing” and a lack of recourse to the NPFL’s rights as asset owners.

This strong reaction raises several critical questions: What is the real motive behind the Eunisell Boot? Does it truly qualify as ambush marketing? And perhaps more importantly, is the NPFL missing a golden opportunity to embrace a long-term partner committed to promoting Nigerian football?

Let’s take a closer, more balanced look.

Understanding the Eunisell Boot

Initiated in 2018, the Eunisell Boot Award is an annual recognition presented to the highest goal scorer in the NPFL.

The reward includes ₦200,000 per goal scored and a gold-plated boot—a symbolic and financial motivation for excellence on the pitch. The sponsor, Eunisell, is a respected Nigerian company with a longstanding footprint in the football ecosystem.

According to Chika Ikenga, the Group Managing Director of Eunisell:

“The Eunisell Boot is not just an award; it’s our long-term commitment to rewarding hard work and developing Nigerian football.”

This vision speaks volumes. It aligns with the broader goal of improving the NPFL’s appeal, spotlighting top talents, and drawing corporate interest to the league. What’s more, Eunisell’s investment is not limited to the award—they have been sponsoring NPFL clubs since 2015, including Sharks FC, Rivers United, and Abia Warriors. This sustained involvement reveals a sincere desire to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the sport.

The Allegation of “Ambush Marketing”

Gbenga Elegbeleye’s allegation of ambush marketing suggests that Eunisell sought to gain undue mileage from the NPFL without proper authorization. However, we must ask: does giving a player-focused award, independently funded and widely appreciated, truly infringe on the NPFL’s rights?

There are global precedents that put this into perspective:

The Ballon d’Or, the world’s most prestigious individual football award, is independently organized by France Football. It operated for years in collaboration with FIFA, yet continues independently without the global body’s sanction.

The Pichichi Trophy, awarded to La Liga’s top scorer, is organized by Marca, a Spanish newspaper—not by La Liga itself.

These examples show that independent awards can co-exist with official league activities, often boosting the profile of the leagues and players involved.

The Bigger Picture: Growth Through Collaboration

Rather than viewing the Eunisell Boot as a threat, the NPFL should see it as an asset. In a landscape where corporate sponsorship is hard to come by, Eunisell stands out as a loyal stakeholder with a track record of credible engagement. Attacking such an initiative—especially close to its ninth edition—sends the wrong signal to potential sponsors.

Instead of issuing threats and reportedly instructing the 2025 recipient, Anas Yusuf, not to honour the ceremony, the NPFL could have opted for a more diplomatic route. If there were any concerns about rights or procedures, these could have been addressed privately or through constructive dialogue.

Awards like the Eunisell Boot add glamour, motivation, and visibility to the league. It provides tangible incentives to players and highlights the league in the media. Rather than diminish the NPFL’s brand, it complements it.

A Call for a Progressive Mindset

The NPFL leadership must adopt a broader, more progressive view. Responsible entities like Eunisell should be welcomed as partners in the ongoing project of revitalizing Nigerian football—not vilified. At a time when the league is still seeking a headline corporate sponsor, those who have stood by the NPFL in leaner times should be embraced, not alienated. This is not the time to burn bridges.

Conclusion

The Eunisell Boot Award is not an act of ambush—it is an act of support. It is a legacy-building project from a responsible Nigerian company genuinely interested in uplifting the game. Rather than reject it, the NPFL should explore ways to formalize the relationship and align the award with the league’s broader branding goals.

Let’s not throw away the baby with the bathwater.

It’s time to rewrite the wrong and move forward in the spirit of collaboration, not confrontation. The future of Nigerian football will depend not just on talent on the pitch, but on maturity in its boardrooms.

Sports247.ng

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The Messi Family Still Love Barcelona! Leo & Antonela Celebrate Son Thiago’s Birthday With A Blaugrana-Themed Party

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo celebrate son Thiago Messi’s 13th birthday with Barcelona-themed decorations

The Messi Family Still Love Barcelona! Leo & Antonela Celebrate Son Thiago’s Birthday With A Blaugrana-Themed Party

Even though Lionel Messi now thrills fans in Miami, his heart clearly still beats for Barcelona. The Argentine legend and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo threw a spectacular FC Barcelona-themed party for their eldest son Thiago’s 13th birthday — complete with the club’s iconic Blaugrana colours, a Camp Nou-shaped cake, and the famous “Mes Que un Club” motto proudly displayed.

A Birthday Steeped In Barca Spirit

Photos and videos shared by Antonela on social media showed the family surrounded by vibrant Barcelona decor — a sea of red and blue balloons, a giant club crest, and even a backdrop of Camp Nou. Thiago, wearing Barca’s 2024/25 third kit with his name and age printed on the back, grinned as his parents captioned the moment:

“How wonderful it is to celebrate you, Thiagui! We love you so, so much.”

For fans, it was more than just a birthday — it was a reminder that the Messi family’s bond with Barcelona remains unbreakable, even three years after Leo’s emotional exit from the club.

 

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A post shared by Antonela Roccuzzo (@antonelaroccuzzo)

Barcelona: More Than A Club, More Than A Memory

Messi’s relationship with FC Barcelona runs deeper than football. From joining La Masia at 13 — the same age Thiago just turned — to lifting countless trophies, including the 2009 Sextuple, his journey defined an era of global football.

His records still stand tall: 672 goals, 778 appearances, and six Ballons d’Or during his time in Catalonia. But beyond the numbers, Messi represented Barcelona’s core — humility, artistry, and loyalty.

Even after leaving in 2021 due to financial struggles, Messi has never hidden his affection for the club and the city that gave him everything. The birthday celebration only reinforced that connection — a nod to where it all began.

Thiago Messi: Carrying The Torch

Born in Barcelona on November 2, 2012, Thiago has spent much of his life steeped in the world of football. He trained briefly with Barca’s youth academy before joining PSG’s setup when the family moved to Paris, and now shines at Inter Miami’s U-13 side.

Despite growing up in different countries, Thiago’s heart still leans toward the Blaugrana. He has even mentioned his admiration for Lamine Yamal and dreams of one day playing alongside the teenage sensation — a sweet echo of his father’s legacy.

But for Messi, the focus remains on joy, not pressure. He’s repeatedly said he doesn’t want to force his sons into football — yet gestures like this party show how much Barcelona remains a part of their family identity.

A Party Full Of Love And Legacy

The Messi family’s celebration wasn’t just a party — it was a tribute. A reminder that no matter where they live or play, Barcelona will always be home.

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Inside The Sports Market: Why The Best Sport Blog Is More Than Just Scores

Sports fans cheering in a stadium, representing the global sports market and fan culture.

Inside The Sports Market: Why The Best Sport Blog Is More Than Just Scores

When you think about a sport blog, you might picture match highlights, game recaps, and maybe a few hot takes. But here at Sports Market International, we believe the best sport blog should offer more than that.

Sports today are not just about who won or who lost. They’re about the market that powers the game — sponsorships, fan engagement, athlete branding, and the business moves shaping the future. And that’s exactly where we come in.

Why Sports Market International Is Different

We cover:

  • The Sports Market Behind The Game → From billion-dollar broadcast rights to grassroots investments.

  • Athlete Branding → How stars like LeBron, Messi, or Alcaraz become more than athletes.

  • Fan Culture → The chants, the memes, the jerseys, the digital communities.

  • Global Trends → How sports in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas intersect in today’s world.

The Fun Side Of Sports

Yes, we get serious about markets and strategy, but sports are also about joy. The last-minute goals, the unexpected underdog wins, the viral locker room celebrations — we bring that energy into every post.

Why We Aim To Be The Best Sport Blog

Because we don’t just write about sports. We live inside the sports market, connecting culture, business, and fans in one space. Whether you’re a casual fan, a die-hard supporter, or an industry insider, Sports Market International is built for you.

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Borah Ndanyungu Reveals betPawa’s Vision In Unveiling Tekno

BY ADELU PRAISE DEBORAH 

For Borah Omary Ndanyungu, betPawa’s Head of Local Marketing & CSR, the choice of Afro-pop sensation Tekno as the brand’s new ambassador was clear. “Tekno represents everything we stand for — energy, creativity, and breaking boundaries. His music inspires millions, just as football does. That’s why he’s the perfect face of betPawa,” Borah explained at the unveiling in Lagos.

The decision reflects betPawa’s strategy of blending sport, music, and culture to connect with Nigeria’s vibrant youth market. Coming just days after the brand invested ₦494 million in the Nigeria National League (NNL) through its Locker Room Bonus initiative, Tekno’s unveiling underscores the company’s twin approach of empowering players on the pitch while engaging fans off it.

Music meets mission

Tekno, famous for hits like Pana and Skeletun, said the collaboration felt natural. “From the studio to the stage, I’ve always been about breaking limits. That’s why betPawa felt like family. They’re creating opportunities, celebrating winners, and pushing boundaries in their own space. Together, we’ll keep inspiring Nigerians,” he said.

The company believes Tekno’s influence goes beyond entertainment. His wide appeal mirrors the unifying power of football, which is why betPawa sees him as the right figure to front campaigns that blend music, lifestyle, and sport.

Beyond gaming

For betPawa, Tekno’s unveiling is part of a broader push to define itself not just as a gaming operator but as a lifestyle brand. With its Locker Room Bonus reshaping football motivation in the NNL — giving ₦56,000 direct payments per winning player and ₦1.288m per team per victory — and Tekno’s appointment amplifying cultural reach, the brand is building strong links to communities across Nigeria.

From its 1,250% sports win bonus, the highest in Africa, to its ongoing grassroots initiatives, betPawa has carved a niche as a driver of empowerment. Adding Tekno strengthens that vision, ensuring the brand connects with music fans, football lovers, and youth eager for inspiration.

As the NNL gears up for its November kickoff and Tekno readies fresh music, the partnership is set to fuel a new wave of campaigns that celebrate ambition, creativity, and winning. For betPawa, the message is clear: Tekno is not just an ambassador, but a cultural symbol of everything the brand aspires to represent.

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