Between May 16 and 18, 2025, an unforgettable event swept through Enugu and Lagos as the Premier League™ Trophy returned to Nigeria for the first time in two years. Brought in by Guinness Nigeria, the iconic silverware was more than a symbol; it became the centre of a nationwide fanfare that united football lovers, ignited nostalgia, and brought the sport’s culture to life in ways that felt both deeply local and profoundly national.
In Enugu, the excitement began with an official handover of the trophy to Governor Peter Mbah at the State House, followed by a community press conference that set the tone for what would unfold later that night. New Berries Park came alive as fans poured in by the thousands, repping their clubs with chants, face paint, and jerseys. The atmosphere was electric, with performances from hometown artist Slow Dog, DJ Youngest, and hypeman Lord El adding local flair to a global moment. Fans, young and old, queued eagerly to take photos with the Premier League™ Trophy, many for the first time in their lives.
“I’ve only seen it on TV,” said Chuka, a Manchester United fan in Enugu. “Tonight, I touched it. I still can’t believe it.”
Just two days later, the celebration moved west to Lagos. The trophy was welcomed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House before making its way to The Palms Shopping Mall in Victoria Island, where the venue was transformed into a high-energy football village. Lagos, true to form, showed up loud. With live performances from DJ Consequence, Alternate Sound, and Melody Not MIA, and crowd engagement from hosts Kiibati Bankole, Yubby, and Suo Chapele, the energy was nonstop.
For many attendees, it was the closest they’d ever come to football history. From 360° photo ops with the trophy to jersey customisation booths, trivia games, and Guinness flowing on tap, the event created moments that transcended the usual matchday experience.
“We were singing, repping our clubs, snapping with the trophy… I even got my Arsenal jersey printed with my name. I won’t forget this,” said Zainab A., who attended the Lagos event with her friends.
There was something distinctly Nigerian about the experience. Club rivalries faded into shared joy. The atmosphere was one of celebration, camaraderie, and pride. Guinness MatchDay didn’t just recreate the vibe of a global fan park — it grounded it in Naija spirit. According to Uti Nwachukwu, one of the celebrities who was present at the Lagos event, “It was warm, it was loud, and it brought people together. You could feel the energy — and it was beautiful.”
Across both cities, more than 4,000 fans showed up. Over 300 media stories were generated, spanning digital, broadcast, and print platforms — a testament to the event’s cultural and social impact. But beyond the numbers, it was the faces in the crowd that told the real story: people smiling, dancing, raising their glasses, and holding onto signed jerseys and Guinness MatchDay souvenirs like trophies of their own.
“This wasn’t just about putting the Premier League™ Trophy on display,” said Olayinka Bakare, Marketing and Innovation Director at Guinness Nigeria. “It was about putting the fans at the centre of the moment — giving people a memory, something real, something they could take home. We wanted to create something bold, immersive, and unforgettable — and Enugu and Lagos delivered.”
Only a few may ever lift the trophy, but for one weekend in Enugu and Lagos, thousands got to stand in its glow. On that night, everyone felt like champions.
As the music faded and the night drew to a close, one thing was clear: in a country like Nigeria, football isn’t just a game — it’s a connection, an identity, and a unifying force. And thanks to Guinness, thousands got to feel that truth in the most unforgettable way.
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