TheCable

The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and HotSports Media Group have announced a partnership with Atunyota Akpobome, better known as Alibaba, for the live broadcast of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The 32nd edition of the Afcon is expected to commence from June 21, to July 19, in Egypt.

HotSports, the official marketing agency of tournament, will beam all the 52 matches on the terrestrial channels of the NTA.

For viewers of the forthcoming tournament, it is expected to be a ground-breaking broadcast as NTA and HotSports will present a blend of football and comedy in its presentation as well as analysis of the matches.

A team of A-list comedians, led by Alibaba will offer viewers hilarious commentary and analysis of the matches.

Alibaba, veteran comedian, with Taye Ige, president/CEO of HotSports Media Group, and Felix Ideh, the company’s executive director

Speaking on the partnership, Taye Ige, the group’s president and chief executive officer, said the marriage of football and comedy would give broadcast sponsors and fans of the game a very pleasurable and rewarding tournament.

“We want to achieve a significant milestone in football broadcasting by bringing sports and entertainment together in the terrestrial live studios of AFCON 2019. We want to produce a memorable event that will remain in the minds of football loving Nigerians for many years to come,” he said while receiving the veteran comedian at the headquarters of HS Media Group in Lagos at the weekend.

In his response, Alibaba said he is glad to be part of the Afcon 2019 live studios innovation.

“Football and comedy will provide a unique platform to project a tournament as big as the African Nations Cup where millions of Nigerian football fans will stay glued to their screens in support of their darling Super Eagles in Egypt,” Alibaba said.