Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, the official marketing partner of the Nigeria Football Federation, has issued a strong warning to Airtel Nigeria over what it described as unauthorised marketing activities linked to the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior national football team.
Pamodzi accused Airtel of engaging in ambush marketing practices that infringe on the exclusive sponsorship and commercial rights held by MTN Nigeria, the official communications partner and sponsor of the NFF and all Nigerian national football teams.
Under its agreement with the NFF, MTN Nigeria holds sole rights to use the Super Eagles and other national teams for promotional, advertising, marketing and commercial purposes, including access to players’ image rights. Pamodzi said Airtel’s recent campaigns attempted to associate its brand with the Super Eagles without securing sponsorship rights or compensating the rights holder.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday, Pamodzi said the Super Eagles’ strong showing and renewed public appeal following their impressive performance and promise at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco had attracted increased corporate attention.
“The Super Eagles’ remarkable performance and the potential displayed at AFCON have endeared them to Nigerians and corporate organisations who have continued to support the team,” the statement said.
Pamodzi, however, alleged that Airtel’s branding activities around the Super Eagles during AFCON 2025 were designed to boost its market visibility by exploiting the team’s popularity without authorisation. The company described the move as unethical and unlawful.
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According to Pamodzi, Airtel’s actions amount to a direct infringement on MTN Nigeria’s trademarks and proprietary rights associated with the Super Eagles during the tournament.
“This conduct is unlawful, and Pamodzi, as the agency mandated to protect and enforce the rights between MTN Nigeria and the NFF, will not tolerate any misuse of the rights duly acquired by MTN Nigeria,” the statement said.
The sports marketing firm stressed that MTN Nigeria’s sponsorship rights are exclusive, noting that the NFF has neither granted nor intends to grant similar promotional or marketing rights to any other telecommunications or competing brand within the scope of the existing agreement.
Pamodzi explained that MTN Nigeria and the NFF entered into a three year renewable sponsorship contract in 2023, which formally designated MTN as the official communications partner and sponsor of all Nigerian national football teams. The agreement covers defined products and services and confers exclusive promotional and advertising privileges.
The company further noted that MTN Nigeria’s role goes beyond telecommunications, describing the firm as a strategic partner that contributes significantly to the financing, promotion and mass engagement of Nigerian football.
Commenting on the issue, Pamodzi’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Mike Itemuagbor, praised longstanding sponsors of the NFF, including MTN Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries, Premier Lotto and Mr Chef, saying their consistent backing has played a major role in the Super Eagles’ resurgence.
He said the Football Federation remains open to partnerships with other corporate organisations willing to properly align their brands with Nigeria’s national teams through approved sponsorship channels.
“The Super Eagles have reignited national pride with their AFCON performance and truly reflect Nigeria’s can do spirit,” Itemuagbor said. “Corporate bodies and individuals interested in associating with our national teams are welcome to do so through the right processes.”
