NFF Slams Companies for Unauthorised use of Eagles’ marks

Once more, the Nigeria Football Federation has taken exception to the
penchant of some corporate organisations to try and appropriate glory
not due to them through excellent performances of Nigeria’s National
Teams at international level.

Following the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup
finals after a 2-0 dismissal of Ethiopia on Saturday, which made for a 4-1 aggregate win, some corporate establishments have been at their
pranks once more claiming part of the glory.

NFF’s Marketing Consultant, Mr. Mike Itemuagbor was livid on Monday
after soft drinks behemoth, Coca-Cola put out an advertisement in the
newspaper: Congratulations Team Nigeria – You Qualified for the 2014
FIFA World Cup and We’re Behind You. Go On. Win It For Naija.

“We are shocked at the penchant of some organisations to sneak into
the picture and try to claim they are among those who have been
funding the Super Eagles. The public should be aware that all the
companies masquerading as supporters of Super Eagles are only doing so for their own merchantile interests. I will say Coca-Cola and Chivita are guilty in this regard.

“This is unacceptable, because they know the right channel to go if
they want to be part of the team. The Nigeria Football Federation is
receptive to offers for sponsorship in several categories but some of
the corporate institutions only want to be part of the team when it is winning.

“The Government of Nigeria and the NFF’s partners and sponsors should
claim the glory for the string of successes that we have seen in our
football this year. For those who are outside the frame, using the
name of the Super Eagles for campaigns and identifying their brand
with the team is unprofessional and unacceptable, ” Itemuagbor said.

It would be recalled that on 7th February this year, the NFF was
forced to issue a similar statement after some companies who are not
NFF partners or sponsors jumped onto the wagon trying to give the
impression they were part of the Super Eagles’ performance that led to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

“The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to state without ambiguity
that only its partners and sponsors have the rights and privileges to
use the name of the Super Eagles for any campaigns, promotions or
mentions.

“We will not hesitate to take legal action against any company,
institution or establishment that runs foul of this caution,”
Itemuagbor added.