By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigerians will have the opportunity to see how the prestigious Premier League trophy, won by Manchester City in May 2023, looks like when it is showcased in Lagos.
The trophy will be paraded at a media event in Lagos on July 5, ahead of the official unveiling of the PL Greatest Africa 11, courtesy of SuperSport, the official broadcast rights owners of the Premier League in Africa.
The trophy is coming to Lagos as part of the Premier League 30th-anniversary celebrations.
PL’s greatest African XI, as voted by football fans across Africa, will be unveiled at a Gala Night in Lagos on July 6, to be hosted by 1997 African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba and former Bafana Bafana and Leeds United captain, Lucas Radebe.
Speaking on the trophy parade and gala night, SuperSport CEO Designate, Rendani Ramovha, said the activities are part of the 30th anniversary of the Premier League and the coveted trophy will add glamour to the event designed to honour the continental football legends.
“We are eagerly anticipating the day that the PL30 Africa XI will be unveiled, and I am pleased to inform all lovers of the Premier League that the prestigious trophy will be on parade at the occasion.
“Since the inception of the Premier League, our African players have made the continent proud with their iconic performances.
“It is only ideal that we celebrate the great feats they achieved in the league considered the best in the world. The arrival of the trophy signifies the importance of African players to the rich history of the league, and we are glad to host it,” Rendani said.
Similarly, the Executive Head of Marketing for MultiChoice Nigeria, Tope Oshunkeye, expressed excitement at hosting the Premier League in Nigeria.
“For over 20 years, SuperSport has continued to broadcast exciting Premier League in Nigeria, and this has seen the league gain wide acceptance among the country’s large football community. The arrival of the Premier League trophy in Nigeria for the unveiling ceremony is most befitting for such a special occasion,” Oshunkeye said.
Between March 24 and June 30, a 30-man list was presented to football fans across Africa to vote their best African footballers to have graced the Premier League, on the SuperSport website. Players with the highest votes will be unveiled as PL Africa 11.
Dipo Olowookere