With all the signs aligning for Super Eagles to prove their mettle in the chase for Africa Cup of Nations’ victory in Cote d’Voire, some Nigerian brands are working behind the scene to give massive supports for the team with a view to ensuring the trophy is brought back to the country for the fourth time.

The Jose peseiro’s boys began their quest for the title in a flatfooted display after playing a disappointing draw with a low-ranking Equatorial Guinea in a match many football fans believed could have been easily won and fetched them three solid points ahead of their counterparts.

However, the hard fought battle against the host country, on Thursday, January 18, which ended in favour of the boys, has bolstered the confidence of football enthusiasts, believing that the Super Eagles are now on the right path to victory at the continental showpiece. Their qualification to the next round of the competition was solidified on Monday after amassing another maximum point in the last Group A match against Guinea-Bissau.

But with or without the win against Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau, some Nigerian brands have already pitched their tents with the national team long before the blast of whistle on the pitch.

Early in January this year, Life Lager Beer, a distinguished brand under the esteemed banner of Nigerian Breweries Plc, declared its steadfast partnership with the Super Eagles as their official beer for the continental championship. It was a sheer display of national pride and football passion.

While reflecting on the enduring support for the National team, Chima Dim, the Senior Brand Manager of Life beer, stated that, Life Lager Beer has always epitomized progress and resilience, values deeply entrenched in the DNA of the Super Eagles and its ardent supporters. He noted that the brand’s affiliation with the Super Eagles underscores a commitment to these shared values, signifying an unshakeable belief in the team’s ability to make the nation proud on the continental stage.

“Life Lager Beer is more than a beverage; it is a celebration of life, progress, and collective success. It encapsulates the spirit of Naija, resilience, and football. As the Super Eagles have demonstrated their ability to rise to the occasion, Life Lager Beer stands shoulder to shoulder with them, echoing their resilience and determination,” he said.

Other Nigerian Breweries Plc brands that are cheering the Super Eagles to their third continental victory include Goldberg and Zagg Energy Malt Drink.

According to Sandra Amachree, Head of Corporate Communication, there is a series of initiatives that have been designed to ensure that brands’ loyal customers and passionate football fans enjoy a memorable AFCON experience anywhere they are in the world.

“Whether you’re in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, or anywhere else, the mission remains the same: to provide the Super Eagles with maximum support as they chase their fourth title at this year’s tournament,” she hinted.

In the same vein, Global Smartphone brand, TECNO, has urged Nigerian football lovers to drum support for the Super Eagles in their campaign for the fourth AFCON trophy.

According to a statement released by the smartphone giant, any customer who purchases the SPARK 20 Series, CAMON 20 Series and PHANTOM Series, have a chance of winning cashback in a lucky draw if Nigeria gets to finals in the tournament.

“TECNO is engaging with fans during this period by telling them to share their AFCON experience using the hashtag TECNOxAFCON and stand a chance to win different gifts. Additionally, there will be trivia questions ranging from which country will win the AFCON, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Team, MVP of the Tournament, and many more,” the statement reads in part.

The declaration of supports fromLife  lager beer, Goldberg, Zagg Malt Energy, TECNO and other brands further corroborates the views of FIFA-licensed agent, Drew Uyi on the need for companies to get endorsement deals with the Super Eagles players ahead of the tournament.

Uyi, while making his position known, maintained that brands can enjoy consistent exposure throughout the competition by having Super Eagles players as ambassadors, appearing in various media outlets such as online publications, television commercials, radio jingles, and newspaper advertisements.

“It is important for brands to start endorsing the players of the Nigerian national team now before the tournament kicks off. These brands can also do things along the AFCON tournament in order to create more visibility and grow their brands. AFCON in Ivory Coast is going to be the biggest crowd puller of the year in Africa and a melting pot for brands to maximize and grow their profit,” he said.

In the same vein, BetKing Nigeria, a house-hold name in the sports betting industry had, a few days to the kick-off of the competition, expressed its support for the players as they gear up for the thrilling challenge.

In a statement issued by the company’s Managing Director, Gossy Ukanwoke, it was stated that Betking is passionate about Super Eagles’ zeal to win the tournament in Ivory Coast.

“Our commitment to the Super Eagles is unyielding, a belief in their triumph and a celebration of Nigerian football,” Ukanwoke said.

Nigeria emerged the title holder for the first time in 1980 after defeating Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The second AFCON title was recorded in Tunisia 1994 following a 2-1 victory against Zambia while the Super Eagles won the championship for the third time in 2013 after defeating Burkina Faso at the tournament held in South Africa.