The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday launched a shortcode for fans ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup.
With the support of Trusted Alliance Services Limited – STA Mobile, the country’s football body proposes to sponsor 100 Nigerians to the competition.
“The Naija 4 Russia initiative is born in due season as a feel-good factor for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, which is at its highest-ever in the recent history of Nigerian Football,” STA’s managing director, Biodun Jagun, said.
“For the first time in the history of football in Nigeria, we have a VAS platform for the fans and supporters of Nigerian Football by way of a shortcode.
“The deployment of this iconic short code *1945# across USSD, IVR, SMS AND WEB platforms is designed to reward the teeming National Team followers and football lovers across the country with a chance to cheer our footballing heroes live in Russia as they take on the best teams from across the globe.
“Our business has deployed the best possible technical infrastructure and systems to ensure this VAS drive flows seamlessly. A comprehensive marketing and publicity campaign have also been put in place to guarantee TOMA and heavy media noise over the legacy and digital media ecosystem. As an addendum, we are focused on ensuring the generation of appreciable revenue for the NFF and its constituents.”
NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, admitted his body was forced to tighten their belts after the Eagles failed to qualify for successive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We knew we were condemned to qualify, and everybody worked hard for it,” he said.
“We identified the areas that needed extra effort and also knew that we needed to get a top-notch coach as well as be relevant in the game’s boardroom internationally. We scored bull’s eye in both areas and these helped us greatly in the campaign.
“I want to also commend the players and the technical crew and backroom staff. They aligned with the vision of the Board and the Secretariat and I have immense confidence that Nigeria can really dazzle the world at the World Cup in Russia next year.”
NFF top shots; Super Eagles duo, Odion Ighalo and Ikechukwu Ezenwa; as well as former skipper, Mutiu Adepoju, were present at the event.
