Doris Ewoh & Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu
Guinness Nigeria Plc has unveiled the English Premier League, EPL, trophy in the city of Enugu.
According to the management of Guinness Nigeria Plc, the unveiling which was done during a press conference on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Maxbe Hotel, Enugu, was the first in Nigeria.
PACESETTER gathered that before the press conference, the management of Guinness Nigeria Plc, led by the Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Rotimi Odusola, presented the EPL trophy to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah at the state government house, who expressed his eagerness to partner with Guinness Nigeria Plc to accelerate his administration’s sports development effort, describing the state as the home of sporting legends, who have ruled the world of sports as well as home of abundant talents for the future.
Speaking during the unveiling, the Marketing and Innovation Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Olayikan Bakare said Guinness Nigeria had a long standing association with football and various sports, not only in Nigeria but across the world.
“Today is not really all about the excitement of witnessing the English Premier League Trophy up close but also an opportunity to record the long relationship that Guinness has had with football and also with the various budding opportunities you may have seen across the country”.
Bakare explained the reason for the choice of Enugu as the first destination in Nigeria. According to him, Enugu had been a spiritual home of football and sports in the country, having the Rangers Football Club, with the Southeast representing a great percentage of the consumers of their product.
Mr. Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, noted that Guinness turned 75 years in Nigeria on April 29, 2025, and that the brand was very pleased with their association with the English Premier League as the official beer of the EPL.
He added that it was a great pleasure to “bring this [EPL Trophy] to Enugu, to our consumers who are passionate about football and the quality that Guinness brings to them”.
On his part, the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, appreciated Guinness Plc for bringing the English Premier League Trophy to the city of Enugu.
“It’s a great day in the city of Enugu. Of course as already mentioned, Enugu has a history of sporting excellence, sporting legends, and this is the home of the mighty Rangers.
“Indeed we are honored, thank you to Guinness and the English Premier League for recognizing the strategic importance of Enugu when it comes to football, sports and honoring us in this way, bringing the Premier League experience to Enugu.
“It presents an opportunity for us to showcase serenity, our culture and our heritage. It is all about merging the culture of the English Premier League, the culture of Guinness with the beautiful culture and heritage of Enugu”.
Those in attendance were the Head of Marketing, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Ramanathan Solayyappan; Managing Director of Rangers Football club, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku and Enugu Football Association Chairman, Barr. Tony Ugwu.
The event also featured interactive section with fans, aimed at deepening fan engagement and celebrating Guinness Nigeria’s contribution to the nation’s sporting and socio-economic landscape.