Sports

In the heart of Nigeria, the MTN Champs series is igniting the passion for athletics among the youth, showcasing exceptional talents, and setting the stage for the grand finale in Abuja.

From the 9th to the 11th of November, the vibrant city of Ibadan played host to the penultimate edition of the MTN Champs before the grand finale. The event spanned three days, drawing the participation of over 2000 registered students who showcased their prowess in track and field events. The competition featured three categories: Cadet (under 14), Youth (under 17), and Junior (under 20).

Preceding the Ibadan edition, the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo witnessed a similar spectacle from the 26th to the 28th of October. Over 1800 registered students showcased their skills in track and field events across the same three categories.

The MTN Champs series is not just a platform for athletic competition; it is a celebration of the raw talent, determination, and sportsmanship that define the future of Nigerian athletics. As these young athletes prepare to converge in Abuja for the grand finale, the nation eagerly awaits a display of skill, resilience, and the unbridled joy of sport.

As the countdown to the grand finale begins, anticipation builds for an electrifying display of athleticism, sportsmanship, and the undying spirit of competition that defines the MTN Champs series. The nation eagerly awaits to crown its national champions and witness the next generation of sporting heroes emerge from the crucible of these exhilarating competitions.

The Godswill Akpabio Stadium set the stage for an exhilarating encounter between the Super Eagles and Lesotho. As fans filled the stadium with anticipation and excitement, the teams geared up for a contest that would significantly impact their journey towards the FIFA World Cup.

In a powerful reaffirmation of their steadfast support for Nigerian football, we as a dedicated sponsor of the Super Eagles, once again took the center stage as the national team prepared for a pivotal FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Uyo.

The match unfolded with Lesotho taking the initiative, securing the first goal just minutes into the second half. However, the Super Eagles, known for their resilience and skill, quickly regrouped and responded with determination. Nigeria managed to level the score, showcasing their prowess and ability to rise to the occasion.

With significant World Cup implications on the line, the stage was set for an exhilarating encounter, and MTN remained firmly committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with the team on this critical journey.

African football has been on a meteoric rise in recent years, with several countries making significant strides on the international stage.

The AFCON Qualifiers serve as a crucial battleground for national teams to secure their place in the prestigious tournament. Nigeria, a powerhouse in African football, is gearing up to face Sao Tome and Principe, a nation with burgeoning potential. With MTN’s sponsorship, this match promises to be a showcase of talent and determination.

The AFCON Qualifiers are a crucial stepping stone for teams aspiring to compete in the African Cup of Nations, one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world.

With MTN’s support, the Nigerian national team is poised to deliver an exceptional performance on their journey to secure a spot in AFCON 2023, where they will battle it out with other African powerhouses.

MTN’s sponsorship of the AFCON Qualifier between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe is a testament to the company’s dedication to promoting sports, unity, and excellence in Africa.

As fans eagerly await the clash between these two teams, it’s clear that this event goes beyond football—it’s about celebrating the spirit of Africa and the talent that thrives within its borders.

So mark your calendars and get ready to witness a thrilling display of football prowess as Nigeria jets off to AFCON 2023, with support from MTN. Let the game begin, and let unity reign!

In a move that promises to revolutionize the way Nigerians experience English Premier League (EPL) matches MTN Nigeria has teamed up with SuperSport.

Picture this: you and your buddies, surrounded by the electric energy of a live EPL match, cheering on your favorite teams. MTN is turning this into reality by setting up special viewing centers all across Nigeria. Yep, you heard that right. No need to huddle around a tiny screen anymore – these centers are going to be your go-to spots for catching all the EPL action with fellow fans. It’s like a football party.

But it’s not just about the matches. We know how important it is to bring communities together, and these centers are going to be buzzing hubs. You’ll be sharing high-fives, dramatic goal celebrations, and maybe even a few friendly debates about who’s the best striker in the league.

This partnership isn’t just about branding – it’s about MTN becoming a part of your football journey. It’s about shouting, laughing, and experiencing the highs and lows of the game with your fellow fans.

So, there you have it, folks. MTN Nigeria and SuperSport are teaming up to bring EPL euphoria right to your doorstep. Get ready for those unforgettable moments, those last-minute goals, and the shared camaraderie of being a football fanatic. Grab your jersey, call your friends, and get ready to kick it with MTN and SuperSport – because the EPL action is about to get seriously awesome!

MTN is not just a mobile network, but also a major supporter of Nigerian sports. In a remarkable collaboration with Naija Super 8, a Nigeria interstate league has been established to create widespread awareness for local teams across the country.

This innovative platform aims to showcase the talent and potential of Nigerian football at the grassroots level. Through an open voting process, selected teams have earned the opportunity to compete against each other, with the goal of reaching the illustrious Super 8 and vying for the grand prize.

The regional playoffs which held in Eket, Akwa Ibom, had 12 teams compete for a spot in the main tournament in Lagos. The teams that made it to the Naija Super 8 from the regional playoffs are:

Enyimba FC, Yobe Stars, Katsina United, Remo Stars, Lobi stars and Rivers United.

Prior to the start of the main tournament, 2 more teams were added to the list; Akwa United and Sporting Lagos.

These teams are the cream of the crop of Nigerian grassroots football, and they’re all vying for the grand prize of 20 million Naira.

The games are sure to be exciting, and they’re a great opportunity to see the future stars of Nigerian football in action.

MTN aims to help put the Nigerian football on the map. It also uses the platform of the Naija Super 8 to help promote Nigerian football to a wider audience with Social Media amplification and incentives to the audience.

Nigeria’s senior female football team, the Super Falcons, took a giant stride towards qualification for the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations by beating Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium last Friday.

Ifeoma Onumonu got both goals on either side of halftime, as the Super Falcons put up a decisive display to thrill the Abuja fans in the tie’s first leg.

The second leg will be played today, Wednesday 23rd February 2022, at the Stade Robert Champroux in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, by 5pm.

The Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum was bullish of his side’s chances ahead of the game. He says they won’t sit back on their two-goal lead in the tie but instead would look forward to scoring more goals to put the tie to bed.

“I’m confident. We got the win and scored two goals (in the first leg), but we all know there are two legs to it. So, we have to come out with the attitude that we have to score goals here and win the game. We can’t sit back and try to protect that two-goal lead.”

Asisat Oshoala will miss the game as she is still sidelined with an injury, but according to Waldrum, this will not deter the girls. He says, “I think the girls have moved on. It was disappointing the day she was injured. For a few hours, it was a bit of shock, but then they realized the next player had to be ready to play. Their mind is completely on the game.”

The Super Falcons, the reigning African champions, will be aiming to qualify for the tournament, which holds from the 2nd to 23rd of July 2022 in Morocco. An added incentive for the Falcons is that the four semi-finalists from the Women’s Nations cup will qualify automatically for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup that will be played in Australia and New Zealand.

A win, draw or a loss by a one-goal margin will be enough to see the Super Falcons through. We wish the Super Falcons the best of luck as we will be cheering them on today.

It’s official. The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Tunisia in the Round of 16 after the Tunisians finished third in their group.

The fixture is a repeat of the third-place play-off at the 2019 tournament, which the Super Eagles won courtesy of Odion Ighalo’s strike.

The Tunisians have had a difficult tournament, losing twice and winning once. This is in contrast to the Super Eagles, who have been in imperious form, winning all three matches, scoring six goals and conceding just one goal from the spot.

Date, Kick-off Time and Venue

The match will be played at the Roumde Adija Stadium in Garoua by 8pm on Sunday, January 23, 2022.

Team News

There is no injury concern for Austin Eguavoen’s side. After springing eight changes in the last match to give his starters some rest, it is expected Eguavoen will revert to his starting 11 for the first two games.

Where To Watch Nigeria vs Tunisia

You can watch the game live on Supersport channel 202 and 209, GOTV channel 33 and 34, AIT, STV, and NTA networks. You can also follow us on our social media channels for live updates of the game.

Twitter – @MTNNG

Instagram – @MTNNG

Facebook – MTN Nigeria

We at MTN are proud supporters of Nigerian football, and we wish the Super Eagles the best of luck in their quest for continental glory.

#ThisIsNaija #WhereFootballLives

Fresh from their 3-1 win against Sudan in game two, the Super Eagles of Nigeria would be hoping to make it three wins out of three at the football fiesta taking place in Cameroon.

The game, which takes place on Wednesday, January 15, 2022, at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua, by 8pm, could see most fringe players getting playtime as Nigeria have already qualified as group leaders for the next round.

The Super Eagles are on six points, while the second-placed team, Egypt, are on three points. The best points that Egypt can acquire is six, and having lost to Nigeria in the first match of the group, means the Super Eagles are ahead on Head-to-head versus Egypt.

You can watch the game live on Supersport channel 202 and 209, GOTV channel 33 and 34, AIT, STV, and NTA networks.

Nigeria would be playing the third-best team from either group B, E or F on January 23, 2022.

We at MTN are proud supporters of Nigerian football, and we wish the Super Eagles the best of luck in their quest for continental glory.

#ThisIsNaija #WhereFootballLives

Fresh from the win against Egypt, the Super Eagles will be taking on Sudan in their second match of the tournament and hoping to claim all three points to secure qualification to the next round.

The match will be played on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua, by 5pm. You can watch the game live on Supersport channel 202 and 209, GOTV channel 33 and 34, AIT, STV, and NTA networks.

Get ready to cheer the Super Eagles to victory.

Did You Know:

The Nigerian male football team have made 19 appearances at the most significant African football fiesta and have won it three times, been runners up four times, and bronze medalists eight times.

We wish the three-time African champions, the Super Eagles, the best of luck in their quest to be champions of Africa for a fourth time.

Match winner, Kelechi Iheanacho was pleased with our 1-0 against Egypt and declared the team’s aim is to get to the final and win the tournament.

Coach Eguavoen also gave some insight into his tactics and how we managed to keep Salah quiet.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s 30^th-minute strike was enough to seal the win and set the pace for the Eagles to qualify for the next round with a win against Sudan on Saturday.

Read every word from Austine Eguavoen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Egypt coach, Carlos Queiroz‘ post-match conference below.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Man of the Match):

I am happy to represent my country, I am happy to score and hopefully, this team can work together and achieve our aims, get to the final, and win the tournament.

We prepared for this game and the competition, we have been working hard since we resumed in Abuja. Egypt are a strong team and they have great players but we were not scared of them. We have confidence and we have a good team.

Nigeria coach, Austin Eguavoen:

The reception has been great since we arrived in Garou. It has been an interesting tournament from the first game.

We know the strength of our players. We know Ejuke is good from the left side, and it was impossible to substitute Simon. It was a tactical change and Ejuke had chances to finish the game. For Umar, maybe the first time on such a big stage, he gave me some excuses after the game and we will talk to him later.

Salah is one of the best players in the world. The strategy wasn’t a specific marker, but we instructed the players to close him down at any time and there must be a second player behind the marker.

The same set of players, every coach has their style, philosophy, and leadership. I told the players to see me as their brother and father. For my assistants, I called them my colleagues. We have a path towards the same direction and we have the privilege to serve the country.

Egypt coach, Carlos Queiroz:

It was clear in the first half, we had a bad first half. Our opponent dictated the game, they deserve to take the lead in the first half. In the second half, we created chances. We had a clear penalty and the referee didn’t award it. The situation of the penalty is not an excuse for our defeat. It was not our day and also for the referees. It was a penalty and it was impossible for VAR not to check it.

Nigeria deserves their win, we will recover and be ready for the next two games. We respect Nigeria a lot, we didn’t play well in the first half. In the second half, we dominated. We lost the ball very quickly, we lost cohesion, but in the second half after the first half conversation, we played and control the game.

The Super Eagles play Sudan on Saturday, January 15, 2022. We will be cheering the team and hoping we pick up three more points.

#ThisIsNaija #WhereFootballLives

Super Eagles coach, Austine Eguavoen, spoke yesterday to the press ahead of the Super Eagles’ first match of the tournament against Egypt. He believes his boys are ready for today’s showdown and the other games. Meanwhile, Egypt coach, Carlos Queiroz was full of praise for the Super Eagles in his press conference.

Read every word from Austine Eguavoen and Carlos Queiroz’ press conference below…

Super Eagles coach, Austin Eguavoen:

About the game Vs Egypt tomorrow:

I have been in this tournament before in 2016 and we finished with the Bronze medal, one thing I can guarantee is that the boys are ready to contest and fight in every game. They (Egypt) have their game plan and we have our plans as well, we shall see how it turns out tomorrow.

Eguavoen on European responses on the tournament:

We have to respect people’s opinions, but there are regulations to release players. It boils down to the individual players, you have to fight for it. We also battled such when we were playing and we fought it because it’s a privilege and honour to play for your country.

Eguavoen on winning the tournament:

It’s a joyful thing to win the AFCON, we will work hard to win, but we have to take it game by game. It’s about the team and country, I am not looking at personal glory, I am looking at the honour we will bring to our country.

Eguavoen on Jamilu Collins:

Collins should arrive tonight, he had issues with his club and the issue has been resolved, he will arrive tonight.

Eguavoen on the appointment of Portuguese coach, Jose Paseiro:

I can say, I am the boss of the new coach (Paseiro), and we have been talking. Collaboration is good, anything we are doing here, it’s important we build a team for him to continue when he takes over and add his own style. It’s important for us to have a good team for the World Cup qualifiers.

Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa:

“This is my last AFCON and I want to give it my best just like other competitions I have represented Nigeria. I will always give my best when I am called up, either tournament or the qualifiers.”

Egypt Press Conference

Egypt coach Carlos Queiroz:

It’s a pleasure to play against such a great nation (Nigeria) with many great results and players. They have quality players, we want to be among the best in the tournament and play against the best countries.

I have experience in different competitions, you can’t reach the top of the world if you don’t give it a step. Our ambition is simple, we want to win every time and focus, we also want to play the best football, because the team that plays good football stands a chance of winning.

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah:

Nigeria has players to win the tournament, I am just one player in my team. I don’t take questions and reactions personally, they have good players, but we will try our best to win tomorrow.

I am proud to have fans all over the world, there is always pressure to perform in all the games because of the fans.

I would love to win a major title for Egypt, I am proud to wear the shirt and give my best. I was happy when we qualified for the World Cup after decades of missing the tournament. Team award comes first, I want to win with Egypt. We will do our best to win the tournament, we have a good team.

 The ‘little tournament’ controversy:

“Klopp was saying it as a joke, he wants us to come. He told me, he wishes me to win, I don’t know what he said to Mane. In England, they regard the AFCON as a big tournament.”

Africa’s biggest football fiesta kicked off on Sunday, January 9 when hosts Cameroon defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 in the opening match of the tournament.

The Super Eagles will be taking the field against Egypt on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 and will be aiming to start their campaign on a winning note.

The match will be played at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua by 5pm, and can be viewed on the following channels:
DSTV Channel 202
DSTV Channel 209
GOTV Channel 33
GOTV Channel 34
All NTA Networks
AIT Network
STV Network

We wish the Super Eagles the best of luck in their quest to be champions of Africa for a fourth time.

Africa’s biggest football fiesta starts on Sunday, January 9 when hosts Cameroon face Burkina Faso at 4pm. The 52-game tournament which has 24 teams vying to be champions concludes with the final on the 6th of February, 2022.

The Super Eagles’ first match will be against Egypt on Tuesday, January 11th by 4pm. Subsequent matches against Sudan and Guinea-Bissau will be played on the 15th and 19th of January by 4pm and 7pm respectively.

The Super Eagles group matches will be played at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua. We wish the Super Eagles the best of luck in their quest to be champions of Africa for a fourth time.

GROUPS

Group A: Cameroon (hosts), Burkina Faso, Cape Verde Islands, Ethiopia

Group B: Guinea, Malawi, Senegal, Zimbabwe

Group C: Comoros Islands, Gabon, Ghana, Morocco

Group D: Egypt, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, Sudan

Group E: Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone

Group F: Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Tunisia

The maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari tournament ended with South Africa taking home the prize, beating the Super Falcons 4-2 at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium on Tuesday, September 21st, 2021.

After going down 3-0 by halftime, a spirited display saw the Super Falcons attempt a comeback with two quickfire goals from Vivan Ikechukwu before a late penalty sealed the defeat.

In the words of Vince Lombardi, it’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.

#WeMove On to the next one, Falcons

We, at MTN, are proud to be the Platinum sponsors of this tournament as well as the Official Communications Partner of the Super Falcons.

#ThisIsNaija #WhereFootbalLives #PlayForGood

FALCONS SOAR PAST MALI

Nine-time African champions edged Mali 2-0 in the opening match of the Aisha Buhari tournament. The exciting match played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, formerly Onikan Stadium, Lagos, saw Monday Gift fire a brace to secure the win for the Falcons, after a colourful opening ceremony.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was joined by the President of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, to attend the opening round of the maiden Aisha Buhari Women’s Cup.

President of Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr. Patrice Motsepe, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, and top FIFA officials joined in Infantino’s entourage to the stadium.

First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and members of the Lagos State’s Executive Council were not left out. The stands were also filled with teeming green and white supporters who serenaded the stadium with songs, dances and band performances.

The tournament, themed “Playing For Good”, is aimed at uplifting the girl child in the continent, and seeks to promote female football in Africa, gender equality and draw attention to development issues affecting women. The Falcons will aim to continue their good form in their next match against South Africa on Tuesday, September 21st, 2021.

We, at MTN, are proud to be the Platinum sponsors of this tournament as well as the Official Communications Partner of the Super Falcons.

Head over to the gallery to see pictures from the match.

#ThisIsNaija #WhereFootbalLives #PlayForGood

The Super Falcons would be participating in the maiden Aisha Buhari Invitational tournament. The six-nation invitational being organized in honour of the name and Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, and themed “Playing For Good”, is aimed at uplifting the girl child in the continent.

The competition slated from 15th – 21st September, holds at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Agege Stadium, Lagos, and features hosts Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Morocco and South Africa’s ‘A’ Women teams. The Super Falcons play Mali on the 15th of September by 5pm and South Africa on the 21st of September, 2021.

We, at MTN, are the Platinum sponsors of the tournament as well as the Official Communications Partner of the Super Falcons. We will be there to cheer the 9-time African champions, Super Falcons, in their quest for glory.

#MTNxNFFPartnership

On the 2nd of September, 2021, we signed an official exclusive partnership with Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF). This partnership was made formal through a signing ceremony held at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja, and witnessed by some of our board members, the Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, the CEO, Karl Toriola, and NFF officials, led by the President, Amaju Pinnick.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, and some members of the Super Eagles squad – Ahmed Musa, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, and Victor Osimhen.

This is the latest investment from MTN in growing a relationship with Nigeria’s dynamic football ecosystem.

#MTNxNFFPartnership

The Kangimi Resort in Kaduna State is the venue

of the 2016 edition of the MTN Pink Polo. The tourney will

attract leading female polo players, top dignitaries

MTN 2015 Golf Challenge

Golf is recognised as elitist, stylish, urbane and above all, a gentleman’s game which is symbolic in the Corporate World. Currently, MTN Nigeria is seen strong supporter of golf in Nigeria,