Nigeria’s oldest domestic football competition, formerly known as the Challenge Cup, Aiteo Cup, and later Federation Cup, has officially been rebranded and relaunched as the President Federation Cup.
This significant development came through a groundbreaking partnership between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Ministry of Sports Development and renowned financial firm, GTI Asset Management in Lagos.
In a well-attended ceremony by key stakeholders in the football ecosystem and the media, the President Federation Cup was unveiled, reflecting the tournament’s long-standing history and its importance in Nigeria’s socio-cultural fabric, particularly in the aftermath of the 1967 civil war.
Senator John Owan-Enoh, the Honourable Minister for Sports Development, delivered a passionate speech, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigerian sports. He highlighted the meticulous study undertaken to identify programmes and platforms with potential for revival and enhancement, with football being a focal point.
“Nigeria boasts a rich football history, epitomized by prestigious competitions like the Challenge Cup, which has captivated the nation since 1945,” Senator Owan-Enoh stated. “Today, we gather to relaunch it as President Federation Cup, honouring Nigeria’s highest office holder and aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration, fostering national unity and emulating the American Super Bowl as a national football fiesta.”
The Minister expressed confidence in the partnership with GTI Group, commending their expertise in sports management and development.
He envisioned the collaboration between the NFF, GTI, and the Ministry of Sports Development as a catalyst for restoring the lost glory, increasing viewership and breathing new life into the President Federation Cup.
Abubakar Lawal, the Group Managing Director of GTI, in his address reaffirmed the company’s strategic involvement in supporting the President Federation Cup through The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF). He emphasized GTI’s vision of transforming the oldest domestic football event into one of the best-organized football tournaments in the world.
With this historic partnership, the President Federation Cup is poised to regain its rightful place on the national and international football calendar, fostering national pride, showcasing Nigeria’s greatness globally, and leaving a lasting legacy for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
