Sports
FC Barcelona, Star Lager Beer Unveil Partnership Deal

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigeria’s foremost lager, Star, and top football club in Spain, FC Barcelona, on Friday, March 3, 2017, formally announced a partnership naming the beer brand as the club’s “Official Beer Partner” or “Official Supporter” in Nigeria.
The announcement took place at the club’s home ground, the Camp Nou, during a press briefing.
This comes on the heels of Star’s partnership with five other European clubs, Arsenal, Manchester City, Juventus, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) including a national partnership with the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) in 2016.
With the partnership, Star lager beer will now possess the right to promote its connection with FC Barcelona fans and keenly enhance visibility of the club in Nigeria.
Speaking on the new partnership, Marketing Director of the Nigerian Breweries Plc, Franco María Maggi, stated that, “As a brand, we would love to connect with as many football fans as possible.
“We see this partnership as a way to further consolidate our commitment to millions of fans and bring quality enjoyment of football with unrivalled consumer interaction experience.”
“Star is committed as a brand to nurture this partnership like others which will positively impact on the development of the football landscape in Nigeria.
“The brand is investing in order to tap, among other things also in the possibility of world-class knowledge transfer,” Franco Maria Maggi concluded.
The established partnership between both entities will have Star drive digital and outdoor amplification, viewership engagement and attendance at live matches that involve FC Barcelona.
Commenting further on the partnership, FC Barcelona legend, Mr Edgar Davids, confirmed FC Barcelona is exploring new regions especially in Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria.
“Playing for Barcelona gave me the opportunity to meet with, appreciate and respect the diversity of cultural background of players from diverse environment.
“This goes to show that football is truly universal and pulls down cultural barriers. It’s even more exciting to see a partnership between the club and Nigeria’s Number 1 beer brand, Star Lager,” Mr Davids said.
Confirming other benefits for the Star brand through its partnership with FC Barcelona, Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Tokunbo Adodo stated that, “The partnership with FC Barcelona signifies Star’s continuous effort to strengthen and deepen the relationship with football fans.
“Going forward, a bottle of Star would symbolize more than just another lager, it would mean a communion between a fan and the pride, history and colours of their favourite club side.”
FC Barcelona, founded in 1899, is one of the oldest clubs in the world. It is the second most valuable sports team in the world worth $3.56 billion.
Notable Nigerian players such as Emmanuel Amunike, Samuel Okunowo and Haruna Babangida who was the second youngest player to feature for Barcelona have previously pitched side with FC Barcelona.
Over the years, the Star brand has consistently supported football initiatives with platforms such as its highly impactful campaign to rally Nigerian football fans during the World Cup in 2014.
The Star Super Fans Show also showcased and rewarded football fans for their passion and knowledge of the game.
Since the first STAR lager beer bottle rolled out of the bottling lines in the Lagos brewery in 1949, the brand has been a premium market leader and was listed by the African Business magazine in its 100 Most Admired African Brands in 2015.
Star has put its expansive platform to good use in promoting music and youth lifestyle through projects like STAR Music Trek, STAR Quest and STAR Mega Jam.
Sixty-seven years after it debuted in the Nigerian brewing sector, Star lager beer has continued to occupy the premium position by bringing a brighter shine to millions of fans.
Sports
Golf Training, Tournament Hold March 8 in Warri North
By Henry Ovie
A one-day golf training and tournament specifically for girls has been fixed for Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Koko, in the Warri North of Delta State.
A statement from the organisers of the event, Canaan Land Golf Training and Tournament, disclosed that about 50 girls would be accommodated.
Tagged The Biggest Giving Day of the Year, the programme, according to the chief executive of Akogate Group, Mr Felix Aganbi, will entrench the attitude of excellence and develop young, highly quality golfers in terms of their golf quality and personal character.
He urged parents in Nigeria and abroad to allow their daughters to attend the event, saying it will build their confidence.
“The golf training and tournament will introduce girls to golf in a social and engaging environment. It will also help them build confidence, learn vital skills, and connect with others in a friendly community,” he was quoted as saying in the statement on Thursday.
The programme, which will take place at the Canaanland Golf and Country Club, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women as well as raises awareness for accelerated gender parity
“Open to girls in years 8-16, the training and tournament provide high-quality coaching to assist the girl child in pursuing excellence in the sport of golf,” Mr Aganbi noted, listing technical skill development, comprehensive fitness and mental conditioning as key features of the training.
“The girls will learn the basics of golf grip, stance, posture alignment, golf rules and etiquette. They will also be taken for an 18-hole playing lesson.
“The training and tournament will broaden opportunities for girls in Nigeria to realise their potential through education.
“Canaanland Country Club shall continue to encourage the education of females, improve the economic position of women and enhance their participation in matters relating to both the family and the society.
“It is also to join hands with the government in making our state a better place to live, campaign for the dismantling of systemic barriers and push for the power of reciprocity and abundant giving,” he disclosed.
Driven by Sir Alfred and Mrs Warami Temile, Mr Aganbi said the “club would continue to provide necessary assistance for the general development of people, especially those who live in the rural areas.”
In a related development, Mr Aganbi said the Oluremi Tinubu Golf Classic would take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Canaanland Golf and Country Club, Koko.
“The tournament will attract international talent, create opportunities for emerging players and motivate the next generation to see what is possible in the women’s game,” he stated, adding that over 75 women are expected to participate.
The event is another important step in strengthening the women’s game in Nigeria, delivering significant benefits to the Niger Delta, drawing women, officials and fans to Warri North and boosting tourism and hospitality industries in Delta State.
Sports
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Top 10 Finishers Share N10m from Aquafina
Aquafina took centre stage at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on 14 February 2026, rewarding the first ten groups to complete the 10-kilometre race with N1 million each. The initiative highlights the brand’s continued investment in fitness, wellness, and the spirit of collective achievement within Nigeria’s growing running community.
Under its campaign theme, “Run am with your Padi of Life,” Aquafina encouraged runners to participate alongside friends, teammates, and running crews, celebrating the role of support systems in pushing limits and sustaining performance.
Throughout the race, Aquafina ensured strong on-course visibility while providing hydration support to help participants maintain energy levels. Its on-ground activations added excitement for both runners and spectators, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
By rewarding groups rather than individual runners, Aquafina spotlighted the value of shared goals and mutual accountability. The N1 million prize elevated the competitive energy of the 10km race while reinforcing the importance of collaboration within Nigeria’s evolving fitness culture.
Widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most prestigious road races, the marathon once again attracted elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Within this high-energy environment, Aquafina positioned itself as a trusted hydration partner supporting endurance and peak performance.
Speaking after the race, Funso Elubeku, Assistant General Manager at Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), said:
“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon represents resilience, discipline, and the power of community. Through Aquafina, we ensured participants remained hydrated while celebrating the teamwork and support that helped runners push beyond their limits. Rewarding the first ten finishers underscores our commitment to recognising dedication, performance, and personal achievement.”
Aquafina’s presence at the marathon underscores its broader mission to promote active lifestyles and support platforms that inspire healthier living, strengthening its connection with Nigeria’s fitness community through meaningful engagement.
Sports
Mourinho’s Return to Madrid, a Battle Between Ligue 1 Giants and more: Bet on the Key Champions League Matches!
On February 24 and 25, the knockout phase return legs of Europe’s most prestigious club tournament will take place. The best sports betting site 1xBet offers a wide selection of markets and the highest odds for these games. Place your bets responsibly via this link and win big!
Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt, February 24
The runners-up of last season’s Champions League are in danger of being knocked out of the competition in the knockout phase play-offs. In Bodø, Cristian Chivu’s team lost 1-3 on artificial turf, which Inter aren’t used to playing on. According to the Nerazzurri coach, the poor condition of the pitch was to blame.
Inter are in a difficult situation. However, the team has scored 11 goals in their last 3 home games and is quite capable of making a comeback. The bad news is that Lautaro Martínez will miss the match due to an injury sustained in Norway.
Bodø/Glimt are certainly not in a state of euphoria. After the match, head coach Kjetil Knutsen said that his team had delivered an average performance. If the Norwegians manage to maintain their lead in the return leg, this story will one day be made into a TV series.
W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65
Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco, February 25
0-2, a missed penalty and an injury to the team’s leader by the middle of the first half – it’s difficult to get back into the game after such a start, but not for Paris Saint-Germain, an official partner of 1xBet. In the first match against Monaco, the Parisians equalized before the half-time break and snatched victory in the second half.
Monaco showed that they can surprise any opponent, but in the 2nd leg, the home side will take to the pitch with maximum concentration from the very first minutes. The statistics don’t favor the Monégasques: they’ve only managed to win at PSG’s home ground once in the last 9 years.
Luis Enrique’s team is the clear favorite in the 2nd leg and will try to take another step towards defending its title.
W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4
Real Madrid vs Benfica, February 25
José Mourinho returns to Madrid, but we won’t see him in the technical area. The Portuguese manager got a red card in the emotional match in Lisbon, but even that didn’t make him the star of the show. The glory went to Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian scored a spectacular goal in the second half, danced provocatively around the corner flag with the Benfica crest, got insulted, and in the end, these events were discussed more than the game itself.
Despite the victory, Real Madrid didn’t look significantly stronger than their opponents. Every now and then, the Eagles took control of the ball and forced Thibaut Courtois to make some incredible saves.
Before the 1st leg, José Mourinho said he wanted the score in the first match to allow his team to fight for a spot in the next stage in Madrid. He got what he wanted, but there’s a feeling that most of his football magic went into Anatoliy Trubin’s goal in the league phase.
W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7
Juventus vs Galatasaray, February 25
Luciano Spalletti had said that his team was going to Istanbul to win, but the final score of 2-5 leaves them with almost no chance of advancing to the round of 16. Barış Yılmaz utterly destroyed the opposition’s left wing, which is where most of the threats to Juventus’s goal came from.
Galatasaray won’t have a fiery support of the stands in Turin. However, the team is in excellent form: in their first 5 matches in February, the Lions have scored 20 goals.
Many believe that Juventus advancing to the next stage would be a miracle. However, in this Champions League campaign, Galatasaray have already lost 1-5 to Eintracht Frankfurt, who are far from being the strongest team, and the Bianconeri must have faith in their abilities.
W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78
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SMM
🏆⚽ Bet on the Champions League knockout phase 2nd legs!
📅 The fate of the tickets to the round of 16 will be decided on February 24 and 25. We’ve compiled a list of the most interesting matches for you:
❓ Inter vs Bodø/Glimt: can last season’s runners-up come back from a 1-3 defeat in the 1st leg?
W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65
🚀 Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco: in the 1st leg, the Parisians came back from 0-2 down and are looking to take another step towards defending their title.
W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4
🧤 Real Madrid vs Benfica: the Meringues won by a narrow margin in Lisbon, but their opponents cannot be underestimated – even the goalkeeper can score for José Mourinho’s team.
W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7
🔮 Juventus vs Galatasaray: can Luciano Spalletti’s team pull off a miracle after a 2-5 defeat in Istanbul?
W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78
💰 Bet and win with 1xBet!
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