Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s football authorities have threatened legal action against telecoms company Airtel Nigeria, accusing it of unauthorised marketing linked to the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says Airtel engaged in what it described as “ambush marketing” by using Super Eagles imagery and branding without approval.
It is demanding N1bn (£620,000) in compensation.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a letter sent by its lawyers, Festus Keyamo Chambers, the NFF said a post on Airtel’s verified Instagram account showed images of four Super Eagles players alongside the NFF logo and Airtel’s branding.
The post included the phrases “We are with you, Eagles!” and “#FeelTheConnection”, which the federation says created the impression of an official partnership.
“Your organisation has engaged in passing off,” the lawyers wrote, adding that the post was “a misleading advertisement that suggests an association” between Airtel and the NFF.
The federation said Airtel was aware that the NFF already has a sponsorship agreement with a rival telecoms company and accused Airtel of acting deliberately.
“The purpose of the publication was to destroy our client’s relationship with its partners and sponsors, while exploiting the goodwill of the NFF brand and the success of the Super Eagles,” the letter said.
The NFF has demanded the immediate removal of the posts and any similar content across Airtel’s social media platforms.
It has also asked the company to stop any further use of Super Eagles-related material.
In addition, the federation is seeking N1bn in damages, citing loss of revenue and reputational harm.
“Our client has directed us to explore all lawful means to secure redress,” the lawyers said.
Airtel Nigeria has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
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The Super Eagles competed at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the tournament has attracted intense commercial and public interest.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
