There was excitement in Enugu over the weekend as the iconic Premier League Trophy touched down Coal City for the first time ever, courtesy Guinness Nigeria, the official beer partner of the English Premier League (EPL).
The gesture is to offer fans an opportunity to see the most iconic trophy in club football up close.
Speaking during the occasion, Marketing and Innovations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc,Olayinka Bakare, said Guinness Nigeria had a long standing association with football and various sports, not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
On why Enugu was chosen as the first destination in Nigeria, Bakare described Enugu State as the spiritual home of sports in Nigeria, noting the exploits of Rangers.
He said it was only natural to choose Enugu for the display of the EPL silverware, given its history.
“Today is not really all about the excitement of witnessing the English Premier League Trophy up close but also an opportunity to record the long relationship that Guinness has had with football and also with the various budding opportunities you may have seen across the country”.
“Enugu has been a spiritual home of football and sports in the country, having the Rangers Football Club, with the Southeast representing a great percentage of the consumers of their product.”he said.
On his part, Director of Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Rotimi Odusola, disclosed that Guinness turned 75 years in Nigeria on April 29, 2025, and that the brand was very pleased to associate with the English Premier League as the official beer of the EPL.
He added that “bring this [EPL Trophy] to Enugu, to our consumers who are passionate about football and the quality that Guinness brings to them”, was a great pleasure.
Also speaking , the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, thanked Guinness Plc for bringing the Trophy to Enugu.
Ekweremadu said, “it’s a great day in the city of Enugu. Of course, as already mentioned, Enugu has a history of sporting excellence, sporting legends, and this is the home of the mighty Rangers.
“Indeed we are honored, thank you to Guinness and the English Premier League for recognizing the strategic importance of Enugu when it comes to football, sports and honoring us in this way, bringing the Premier League experience to Enugu.
“It presents an opportunity for us to showcase serenity, our culture and our heritage. It is all about merging the culture of the English Premier League, the culture of Guinness with the beautiful culture and heritage of Enugu”, he said.
Apart from Enugu, the Guinness EPL Trophy Tour wil storm Lagos on May 17th – 18th.
The event, marked a significant milestone in the brand’s commitment to football and its dedication to celebrating the passion of Nigerians for the game.
