The League Management Company (LMC) has described the recent kit sponsorship deal entered into by newly promoted Kwara United of Ilorin and indigenous apparel manufacturer, OWU Sportswear, as a signpost of how sports and other industries in the country can partner to enrich the League.
The deal with Kwara United, affectionately called Afonja Warriors by their fans, was announced by the sportswear manufacturer which indicated that though the kitting deal will commence from the 2014/15 Glo Premier League season, the club will play the Nigeria National League Super-4 tournament in OWU brand of jerseys.
“We are excited by this deal that has been forged by OWU Sportswear and Kwara United. It is a big message for even bigger corporate organisations. Perhaps, now they would begin to see reason to look inwards to contribute to the development and growth of the football industry to further impacts the economy,” said Nduka Irabor, the out-going chairman of the LMC.
Irabor said that investment in the league by indigenous businesses will enhance their positioning with the populace which is their primary consumers.
“It cannot be over-emphasised that football is a strong vehicle for social cohesion and citizen engagement which engenders enabling environment for businesses to thrive,” the LMC chief further noted.
There are huge opportunities in the league for indigenous manufacturers to tap into and increase their market share. Such companies can partner with clubs within their cities of operation to reach fans with their product offerings and in return they will also enjoy brand exposure through in-stadium branding and promotional sales on match days.
