United Bank for Nigeria Plc, Africa's global bank, is sponsoring the
Nigerian Arsenal Fans Soccer Club a.k.a Naija Gunners FC to participate
in the 2008 WorldNet Soccer competition, taking place in Leeds, United
Kingdom, during the weekend of July 18 to 20, 2008.
A cheque for the sum of N5million naira was presented to the team
officials, led by Mr. Emmanuel Ibru, the Vice Chairman Board of Trustees
and Mr. Effiong Antai, Vice President, in Lagos on Wednesday July 16,
208 by the Divisional Head Cards, UBA Plc, Mr. Gavin Young.
Whilst wishing the team a good outing in the competition, Mr. Young
reiterated the reasons for the sponsorship support, saying "we see this
as complimentary to our partnership deal with Arsenal FC of London,
which allows us to deploy co-branded financial cards in Africa. He
disclosed that the bank has begun the rollout of the cards. "As we
speak, we have begun the distribution of the Arsenal Debit and Prepaid
Cash Card at our branches nationwide. According to him, the cards are
being deployed with value propositions aimed at attracting Arsenal and
other football fans.
Responding on behalf of the team, Mr. Ibru thanked UBA for the support
and promised that the team will do the bank proud at the tourney. This
sentiment was also echoed by the group's Vice President, Mr. Effiong
Antai. According to Antai, it is instructive to note that the team
benefited from the bank's support last year, even without the Arsenal
partnership deal. "The innovation and drive that have characterised the
new UBA is very impressive. We appreciate the giant strides that you
have made since consolidation and are proud to be worthy ambassadors of
this great brand" he enthused.
The 40 man team departs Nigeria to the United Kingdom on Thursday July
17, 2008 for the soccer fiesta taking place at The University of Leeds'
Bodington Hall on the weekend of 18th, 19th and 20th July 2008. For the
second year running, Gunners FC, will be participating as Africa's sole
representative in the competition, tagged WorldNet 2008 and organised by
the Internet Football Association (IFA).
In all, there are 70 entries from supporters' teams of major Soccer
Clubs in Europe. Last year's cup winners were Fans of RC Lens, who
defeated Arsenal Nigeria in the knockout Finals and the plate was won by
Queens Park Rangers (QPR) Fans team.
The weekend kicks off with an IFA England vs Scotland International
followed by the 2008 IFA Challenge Cup final. Saturday sees a series of
games between sixteen groups of competing teams; the winners and
runners-up from all groups all qualify for day two of the Cup. The 3rd
and 4th placed teams from all groups go into the Plate Competition.
The Tournament on Sunday adopts an FA Cup style format i.e. a sudden
death knockout competition. The first round of the day two tournaments
is drawn on the Saturday evening of WorldNET; teams then progress
through their section of the draw, till an overall winner emerges.
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