January 19, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), assured Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited of full protection of its partnership rights following incidents of blatant ambush marketing and intentional deceptive advertising by some businesses aimed at illegitimately identifying with the Super Eagles and the team’s campaign at the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Cameroon.
Amaju Melvin Pinnick, President of the NFF and a FIFA Council Member, travelled from Cameroon to Lagos to reassure Coca-Cola, reaffirming that the Federation will not hesitate to take enterprises infringing on the rights of Coca-Cola, and indeed any of the NFF’s partners and sponsors, to court.
Pinnick was categorical in his assurance to Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited’s top hierarchy that included the Managing Director, Mr Alfred Olajide at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, when he said: “We are unhappy with the behaviour of these companies that went to town in a bid to intentionally identify with the Super Eagles when they have no such right or leeway.
“It is most condemnable. The NFF is up to the task of protecting the rights and privileges of its partners and sponsors and will not hesitate to take legal action against these infractions.
“The NFF cherishes the relationship we have with Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, and indeed all our partners and sponsors, and this informed my movement to Lagos to give assurance to the company as a result of the ambush marketing and intentional deceptive advertising by one company with which we have no relationship whatsoever.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a statement on Sunday condemning ambush marketing and deceptive advertising by some firms, who utilised photos of the Super Eagles and the team’s participation in the 2018 Africa Cup of Nations in newspaper adverts.
Alfred Olajide, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited; Amaka Onyemelukwe, Public Affairs and Communications Director; Bunmi Adeniba, Frontline Marketing Director; and Soji Omoigui, Frontline Marketing Portfolio Activation Senior Manager, were among those who met with Pinnick on Tuesday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
