TheCable

Eunisell has received plaudits for choosing to reward two Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players rather than one for their goals in the 2018/2019 season.

The chemical specialty fluids and production solutions company sponsors the biggest individual award in Nigerian football, The Eunisell Boot.

On Friday in Lagos, Nasarawa United’s Sunusi Ibrahim and Akwa United’s Mfon Udoh will each be presented with a trophy and a cheque of N2 million for the 10 goals they scored during the NPFL season.

The Eunisell Boot Award values a goal at N200,000.

Sam Nnaji, head of operations, DigitSport said: “It’s laudable. They’re setting the marker and other corporate brands need to get involved. Nigeria will be built by Nigerians.

“The NPFL player will thrive on such encouragement. Aside the financial reward, just knowing that your efforts are appreciated and valued will only cause them to perform better.”

Fred Okoligwe, media consultant and sports marketer, commended Eunisell for their continued support of the development of the Nigerian league.

Olu Banjoko, a domestic league enthusiast, who has been a long-time Rangers International supporter, said the decision by Eunisell to award both hotshots the award is “very welcome”.

“Their (Eunisell) action will not only encourage the players to do more, but more importantly for me, it speaks volumes of the company’s desire to contribute to the development of the local football league.  For this I give them kudos,” he said.

Chika Ikenga, Eunisell’s group managing director, stated that the company’s decision to reward both players was taken based on the simple fact that the two players scored the same number of goals.

“First, we set out to help improve the standard of professional football in Nigeria through incentives and awareness; second, to demonstrate to the youth that playing football in the Nigeria professional league is a viable career worth venturing into; and third, to increase spectator interest and support for local teams and players,” he said.

Ikenga the focus of the award is bigger than the prize money.

“It’s about investing in the future of the sport, the clubs, the players and spectators,” he said.