Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, the official marketing partner of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has issued a stern warning to Airtel Nigeria, accusing the telecom operator of engaging in ambush marketing and improperly linking its brand to the Super Eagles.
The marketing firm stressed that MTN Nigeria remained the exclusive official communications partner and sponsor of the NFF and all Nigerian national football teams, including the Super Eagles.
According to Pamodzi, the existing sponsorship agreement grants MTN sole rights to use the national teams’ images and likenesses for advertising, promotions, marketing campaigns, and other commercial activities.
The company expressed concern that Airtel has allegedly leveraged the Super Eagles’ image without proper authorization, which it described as both unethical and unlawful.
In a statement released in Lagos on Tuesday, Pamodzi highlighted that the Super Eagles’ impressive performance at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco has generated widespread attention and admiration from Nigerians and corporate stakeholders.
The statement claimed that Airtel’s promotional activities sought to capitalise on the team’s success to boost its own brand visibility without contributing to the official sponsorship framework.
Pamodzi noted that the actions of Airtel potentially infringe on MTN Nigeria’s trademarks and intellectual property rights related to the Super Eagles.
The firm, acting on behalf of MTN and the NFF, affirmed that it would not tolerate any misuse of sponsorship rights already purchased and protected under a binding agreement.
Chief Mike Itemuagbor, CEO of Pamodzi, explained that MTN Nigeria signed a three-year renewable sponsorship deal with the NFF in 2023, which makes the telecom company the official communications partner for all of Nigeria’s national football teams.
He praised MTN alongside other corporate partners, including Nigerian Breweries, Premier Lotto, and Mr Chef, for their ongoing support of the Super Eagles, which he said has contributed significantly to the team’s strong showing at the tournament.
Itemuagbor also clarified that while the NFF welcomes new sponsorship and partnership opportunities, all engagements must adhere to due process.
He urged companies and individuals interested in associating with the national teams to liaise directly with the NFF and Pamodzi to ensure that their involvement is formal, lawful, and recognised.
Pamodzi’s statement underscores the federation’s commitment to protecting the commercial rights of its official sponsors and sends a clear message that any attempt to exploit the national teams’ popularity without authorisation will be challenged.
This latest development highlights the growing importance of sponsorship rights in Nigerian football, especially as the Super Eagles continue to attract both national and international attention following their performance at AFCON 2025.
