GTI/NFF, Ministry, President Federation Cup Partnership: Abubakar Lawal optimism new partnership will make Nigeria football more alluring 

On Friday, April 19, 2024, at the Westwood Hotels in Ikoyi, history was made when the Ministry of Sports Development, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the well-known finance and management trust company, GTI, signed a partnership. This partnership is expected to infuse the country's oldest football competition with a unique blend of energy, curiosity, and passion, Nigeriasoccernet.com can confirm.

Now, the President Federation Cup officially replaced the Challenge Cup, which was previously known as the Aiteo Cup and Federation Cup. This move was made in recognition of the championship's long history, its significance for Nigeria's sociocultural development, and its aftermath following the tragic 1967 Nigerian civil war.

The Group Managing Director of GTI, Abubakar Lawal, while expressing his belief in the fortunes of Nigerian football, said despite the negative vibes surrounding Nigerian football, he and his firm, GTI, have true belief in the greatness inherent in Nigerian football.

Ibrahim Gusau, President of Nigeria Football Federation, was obviously happy with the new and positive happenstances in Nigerian football. He expressed his satisfaction with the new partnership with GTI, as it concerns the rebranding of the agelong Nigeria Challenge Cup.

Minister for Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, remarked that," it was imperative to rejuvenate the Challenge Cup  now called the President Federation Cup. Adding that it was to reignite interest among fans ans elevate it to global standards."

"By signing this agreement with GTI, we aim to reestablish the renamed competition on the national and international football calendar, involving grassroots teams, creating employment for approximately 500,000 Nigerians, engaging over 100,000,000 football enthusiasts, rejuvenating talents pipelines, fostering national pride and showcasing Nigeria's greatness globally".

The President Federation Cup will become President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's legacy, championing Nigerian football,".

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola