Carloha Nigeria, the official franchise holder and assembler of Chery vehicles, has formalized a groundbreaking partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), representing a major milestone for both the nation’s sports and automotive industries.
The signing ceremony, which took place on February 19, 2025, at the Carloha Showroom, was a momentous occasion attended by top dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, CEO of Carloha, Mr. Liang Long, Mr. Sola Adigun, Managing Director, Carloha Nigeria, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee and Ms Aisha Falode, Member of the NFF Executive Committee, sports journalists, motoring journalists, and key stakeholders.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Sola Adigun, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating that the partnership aims to have a long-lasting impact on football’s growth by providing essential support to grassroots and professional football initiatives.
“Carloha’s association with the NFF extends beyond vehicle provision,” he stated, adding, “it is about building a long-term relationship that drives success for Nigerian football both locally and internationally”.
In same vein, the CEO of Carloha, Mr. Long described the partnership as auspicious, saying the company is determined to drive the Super Eagles to overtake their opponents and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, as a priority project.
“Football is the most popular sport in the world,” he enthused, adding, “The Super Eagles is the best team in Africa and we are happy to have the opportunity to support Nigeria football, as the best car company in Nigeria.”
Also speaking at the event, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, highlighted the significance of private sector involvement in sports development: “We are excited to welcome Carloha on board as a key partner in our mission to elevate Nigeria football. With their support, we can further develop programmes that will benefit our teams and the millions of football lovers across the country.”
Alhaji Gusau, who expressed excitement about the partnership, commended Carloha for its unwavering support and investment in the sport.
The event also witnessed engaging interactions between sports journalists, motoring journalists, and key stakeholders, who discussed the impact of such partnerships on sports and business development in Nigeria.
Attendees were given an exclusive tour of the Carloha showroom, where they experienced the latest Chery models and learned about the brand’s innovative automotive solutions tailored for Nigerian roads.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the official signing of the agreement, a symbolic moment that signified the beginning of a transformative journey between Carloha and the NFF. The event was further amplified by a media briefing, where both parties reiterated their shared vision of driving progress through this collaboration.
In a post-event media statement, Carloha described the signing ceremony as an underscore of the company’s growing influence in Nigeria’s sporting community and its role in fostering impactful partnerships.
“With this alliance,” it noted, “Carloha is poised to strengthen Chery brand positioning while contributing to the advancement of Nigerian football.
“As the partnership unfolds, football enthusiasts, stakeholders, and the general public can look forward to seeing Carloha’s active involvement in supporting the NFF’s initiatives. This milestone marks just the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship aimed at propelling Nigerian football to greater heights.
“The partnership solidifies Carloha’s commitment to supporting Nigerian football, aligning with its vision to promote excellence, mobility, and national development through sports. This collaboration is set to enhance the development of football in Nigeria, and reinforce Carloha’s presence as a key player in Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.”
As Carloha continues to champion sports development, this collaboration with the NFF is expected to open new opportunities for Nigerian football to thrive.
Chery, as the leading exporter of Chinese vehicles, continues to maintain its position as the top automotive brand from China in the global market.
Beyond its automotive success, Chery is also deeply committed to sports development, actively supporting various sporting events and initiatives worldwide.
