The city of Enugu erupted in excitement on Friday, May 16, 2025, as Guinness™ Nigeria, the flagship brand of Nigeria’s leading beverage company, brought the iconic Premier League Trophy to the Coal City in a grand celebration of football, culture, and community.
The historic visit marked the first leg of the Guinness™ Premier League Trophy Tour, a three-day, two-city fan engagement campaign designed to deliver unforgettable moments to football lovers across Nigeria.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, officially welcomed the trophy to the state, hailing the event as a proud moment for Enugu and a reflection of its deep football heritage.
“I am delighted to receive the iconic Premier League trophy today, courtesy of our esteemed partners at Guinness™ Nigeria. This is more about Enugu’s legacy as the home of football in Nigeria and our future as a hub of sporting excellence,” the governor said.
Mbah praised Guinness™ Nigeria for its longstanding support of sports development and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing sporting infrastructure in the state.
“Like Guinness™, we see sports as a powerful force for unity, inspiration, and growth. That is why we are not just talking; we are acting. From the total reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to the revival of the Awgu Games Village, we are laying the groundwork to host the 2026 National Sports Festival and position Enugu on the global sports map,” he stated.
Speaking on the significance of Enugu as one of the two cities selected for the tour, Corporate Relations Director of Guinness™ Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola, described the decision as “easy,” citing Enugu’s storied football culture and its pride, Rangers International FC.
“Enugu is the spiritual home of sports in Nigeria,” Odusola declared, adding that the event was not only about celebrating football but also acknowledging Guinness™ Nigeria’s deep-rooted connection to the South-East region through impactful social initiatives.
“This Trophy Tour is more than just football—it’s a tribute to the communities we serve and our legacy of partnership. Over the years, Guinness™ Nigeria has supported Enugu through various initiatives—from empowering 50 women in Iwollo, Ezeagu LGA with tools and training for micro-businesses, to providing clean water solutions through our Water of Life program and celebrating the cultural vibrancy of the state with activations like Smooth Homecoming,” Odusola said.
He added that the tour was a unique opportunity to celebrate Guinness™ Nigeria’s 75-year legacy and its collaboration with the Premier League to deliver magical football moments to Nigerian fans.
“At Guinness Nigeria, we believe that football goes beyond the pitch—it’s about identity, pride, and unforgettable moments shared with fellow fans. By bringing the Premier League Trophy to Enugu, we’re not only honouring our consumers’ passion for football but also putting them at the heart of the action,” he said.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr., described the event as inspiring, especially for the youth.
“It’s inspiring to see a global brand like Guinness™ invest in sports development and fan engagement at the grassroots. We hope this visit sparks more collaboration between public and private sectors in promoting football excellence,” he said.
At the heart of the celebration was the Guinness™ MatchDay experience, hosted at New Berries Park, which featured a vibrant, multi-sensory fan zone with large viewing screens, highlight replay corners, noise-cancelling headsets, jersey customization booths, and a 360-degree Guinness™ bar serving themed cocktails.
Fans were treated to live performances from stars such as Slow Dog, Lord EI, and DJ Youngest, while many walked away with branded souvenirs, including Guinness™ T-shirts, footballs, drinks, and signed Premier League jerseys.
The Guinness™ Premier League Trophy Tour has since moved on to Lagos, where another round of thrilling fan experiences awaits, as the brand continues to celebrate football passion and community across Nigeria.
