By Femi Atolagbe
A European Sportswear manufacturer, Fodox Sports, has officially signed a five-year kits partnership deal with Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), parents of Sunshine Stars, Queens and Stars’ U-19 teams.
Ondo State Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the event held at the Games Village in Akure, said the kits deal would set a new standard for sports branding and development in the state.
Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi, said the deal would promote excellence on and off the pitch.
“This is the first time we are seeing this in Ondo State and South-West in general. Over the next five seasons, the jersey becomes a symbol in Ondo State. We commend the company for investing in sports and for collaborating with us,”he said.
The governor later urged the management of the agency to ensure that victory would be their watchword over the next five seasons for all the teams under the agency.
Also, the Chairman of ODSFA, Divine Ogbonnaya, described the partnership as “a remarkable step forward” for football development in Ondo State.
According to Ogbonaya, the deal marks the era of professionalism and a new dawn for sports development in the state and country at large.
He appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa, for his support towards sports development, particularly football.
The Chairman highlighted the progress made under the current administration, attributing it to the governor’s vision, the cooperation of stakeholders, and the dedication of players and staff of the agency.
The Director of Fodox Sportswear, Mr Adrovic Senad, expressed delight at partnering with Ondo State’s flagship football teams.
Senad noted that the deal was a first-ever long-term kits deal with a Nigerian side, adding that Fodox Sports was pleased to associate with Sunshine Stars due to the team’s rich history and growing reputation.
The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State Chapter, Segun Giwa, described the signing as “massive and a morale booster” for football development in the state.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr Kehinde Akinrotoye, said the deal would serve as a strong motivational factor for all teams under ODSFA.
Fodox Sports is an international sports apparel brand known for producing jerseys, shorts, football boots, and sports equipment, with presence across Europe and other continents.