Nigerian telecommunications company, Globacom, has extended its sponsorship of Africa’s most prestigious football awards, the CAF Awards. Globacom have sponsored the awards since 2005 and have deemed it fit to sign an extension which will see them sponsor the awards for four more years. The new four year deal is understood to have been signed before the last edition of the awards held in Lagos on January 8th.

Mrs. Gladys Talabi, Globacom’s Executive Director, Legal Services said the extension of the contract was proof of a mutually beneficial relationship which reaffirms Globacom’s standing as one of the continent’s most football friendly brands.

“This signing of a new contract will ensure that the symbiotic relationship, which started about 10 years ago, between CAF and Globacom is sustained for another four years. Specifically, Globacom and CAF entered into this football relationship in 2005 when a five-year contract was signed,” Talabi said.

Mrs Talabi also said that the goal of the sponsorship was to aid the development of the game on the continent and expressed satisfaction that Globacom had been able to achieve its goal.

“At that time, we made a commitment to use the Glo/CAF awards to promote the growth of the game of football in Africa. I’m happy to say that we kept that promise. With this agreement, we wish to reiterate our commitment to stimulate and inspire the growth of football on our treasured continent.”

In his part, CAF President, Issa Hayatou expressed delight with Globacom’s commitment and conveyed the gratitude of the football body.

“The contract has been signed already. As the president of the Confederation of African Football, I want to thank Globacom for its effort in the development of football in Africa. Thank you very much. We pray that you will continue to soar in all your endeavours,” Hayatou said.

Globacom have an impressive history of brand association in football circles with its sponsorship of the Nigerian Premier Football League as well as its long-standing association with the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles.