Atletico Madrid to battle Eagles in maiden Gotv MAX Cup in Uyo
Nigeria will be ready for World Cup friendlies
SPANISH Laliga giant, Atletico Madrid will visit Africa for the first in its history on May 22 and Nigeria is one of its destinations. Already, a friendly match against the Super Eagles team B has been lined up Europa League finalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Multichoice Nigeria and provider of digital terrestrial television platform, Gotv, is bringing the match as part of activities lined up to mark the maiden Gotv MAX Cup. It will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Multichoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho said: “We are delighted to bring one of the three biggest clubs from Laliga to Nigeria in what we believe will be a historic visit. Atletico Madrid is one of the top clubs in Laliga. Gotv cus- tomers and indeed, football fans in Nigeria, will have the rare opportunity of watching the stars play the Super Eagles right here on Nigerian soil.”
On his part, president of Laliga, Javier Tebas said: “This is a historic announcement, and we are excited to share this news with our Nigerian fans. Africa and Nigeria in particular are very important for us and have a lot of love for Spanish football, something we are proud of.”
The Second Vice President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mallam Shehu Dikko was equally excited by the development. He said Atletico Madrid’s visit to Nigeria would go a long way in improving the already exciting relationship between the League Management Company (LMC) and the Laliga.
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju, who is Laliga ambassador, says the match in Uyo would bring Nigerian fans closer to their favourite top stars in Atletico Madrid.
“As the Laliga ambassador, growing the Laliga brand in Nigeria has always been my primary objective. I am excited about the visit of Atletico Madrid to our country because it will definitely bring Nigerian fans closer to Laliga. The match will afford Super Eagles coaches to pick some players for upcoming matches, particularly the Afcon qualifiers that will take place soon after the World Cup,” Adepoju, a former player of Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Racing Santander of Spain stated.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi has assured that Nigeria will be ready for the preWorld Cup friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo, England and the Czech Republic.