NFF Demands ₦1 Billion Compensation from Airtel Over Super Eagles Post
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a stern warning to Airtel Nigeria, threatening legal action over what it described as ‘ambush marketing’ involving the Super Eagles at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a letter from its solicitors, Festus Keyamo Chambers, the NFF expressed outrage at a post on Airtel Nigeria’s verified Instagram account.
The post featured live images of four Super Eagles players alongside the NFF’s trademarked logo and Airtel’s logo, accompanied by the phrases ‘We are with you, Eagles!’ and ‘#FeelTheConnection.’
According to the federation, this created the misleading impression of a partnership between Airtel and the NFF.
The letter stated: ‘Your organization has thereby engaged in passing off as the said publications are a misleading advertisement that suggests the association of your organization with the NFF and its affiliates.’
The NFF further alleged that Airtel acted maliciously, knowing that the federation has a sponsorship contract with a rival telecom brand.
It argued that the publication was intended to undermine existing sponsorships, exploit the goodwill of the NFF brand, and capitalize on the Super Eagles’ success for Airtel’s business exposure.
The federation’s lawyers demanded the immediate removal of the offending post and any similar content from Airtel’s social media platforms, a halt to further publications of that nature, and the payment of ₦1 billion in compensation for loss of revenue and reputation.
