This is the first time that a LaLiga team have travelled to Nigeria for a friendly match, which will be against the Nigerian Super Eagles on May 22nd.
Gerard Izuora
Spanish Top Flight LaLiga outfit Atletico Madrid will play a friendly match in southern Nigeria on May 22nd in the town of Uyo against the Nigerian Super Eagles. The fixture was announced this morning in Lagos at a press conference involving the relevant parties: LaLiga delegate in Nigeria, Javier del Rio, Vice President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Mallam Shehu Dikko; President of Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick; General Manager Sales & Marketing Multichoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho; and General Manager Supersport Nigeria, Felix Awogu, as well as LaLiga Broadcaster GOtv.
This landmark announcement signals the first time that a LaLiga team will travel to the African country to play in a friendly match. The historic contest will take place thanks to SuperSport, the LaLiga broadcaster in most African countries, while both LaLiga and the Nigerian Football Federation have been heavily involved in organising the event. Prominent video entertainment company MultiChoice Nigeria, the provider of digital terrestrial television platform GOtv, is bringing leading Spanish outfit Atletico to Nigeria for a special visit and to play in the maiden edition of the GOtv MAX Cup.
The fixture, which will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, will allow Nigerian fans to enjoy an array of some of the stars of the world’s best league up close, and watch one of its most iconic clubs, Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side have been one of the best-performing teams this season and sit in second place in the table.
Once again, LaLiga’s total commitment to fans around the world is evident. LaLiga president Javier Tebas responded by saying, “This is a historic announcement and we’re very happy to share it with our Nigerian fans: Atletico, one of LaLiga’s most important clubs, will be in Nigeria and will give local fans the opportunity to enjoy the stars close up. Africa and Nigeria are very important to LaLiga and are also great fans of Spanish football, which we’re very proud of.”
General Manager of sales and marketing at MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho said: “We’re delighted to bring one of the three biggest clubs in LaLiga to Nigeria in what we believe will be an historic visit. As you all know, Atletico are one of the top clubs in LaLiga. GOtv customers and football fans in Nigeria will have the rare opportunity to watch the stars play our Nigerian stars right here on Nigerian soil.
This match is being played under the umbrella of the LaLiga Foundation’s LaLiga World Challenge programme, through which friendlies are organised between LaLiga clubs and local teams all over the globe.