Sports
LaLiga Santander is back for 2019/20 and better than ever
- The best players in the world such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Joao Felix, the most advanced broadcast technology and newly-promoted sides Sauna, Granada and Mallorca have kicked off the new season.
BY: Ikenna Oluka
LaLiga Santander, the best league in world football, is back to excite football fans all over the world. With two weeks already in the season, the global stars of world football, high-profile new faces and three freshly-promoted sides have returned to stadiums across Spain and television screens all around the world better equipped than ever to give fans the most thrilling experience possible. In addition, this season will also bring us two new firsts: a whole new sound identity for LaLiga, composed by Emmy Award-winning composer Lucas Vidal; and a new cutting-edge match ball designed by PUMA for both LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank, the rebranded second tier.
As with each new season, LaLiga Santander welcomed three new teams into the fold for the 2019/20 campaign in the shape of CA Osasuna, Granada CF and RCD Mallorca. Osasuna return to the topflight following a two-year absence after being crowned LaLiga SmartBank champions in 2018/19.
An academy-driven club steeped in tradition – with centenary celebrations on the horizon for 2020 – the side from Pamplona are a welcome addition for what will be their 38th season in the top division.
Granada CF, with a proud reputation as one of LaLiga’s true ‘giant killer’ clubs, likewise return after a two-year absence, together with their fans, known to be among Spanish football’s most passionate. Last but not least are RCD Mallorca, who embark on their eighth stint in LaLiga Santander.
Owned by a forward-thinking consortium including the likes of former NBA MVP Steve Nash, Mallorca will fly the flag for the Balearic Islands as the only side based outside the Iberian Peninsula in the division in 2019/20.
It’s not just new teams that will be gracing LaLiga Santander this season; we’ll also have a host of exciting new signings to join the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Koke.
Stars of the global game have queued up to join Spanish football among them Eden Hazard and Frenkie de Jong, two of the most blockbuster summer signings in world football, who have joined Real Madrid and FC Barcelona respectively. Over at Atletico de Madrid, Joao Felix became the second-most expensive teenager in football history by joining Diego Simeone’s side while Real Betis beat off competition from Europe’s top sides to secure the signing of French World Cup winner Nabil Fekir.
Notable names heading to pastures new within LaLiga include Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez, who has joined Valencia CF from RC Celta.
The transfer window closes on September 2nd, giving LaLiga Santander clubs plenty of time to add even more quality to their ranks ahead of the new season.
With the first of 380 nail-biting encounters set played between Athletic Club and Barcelona at San Mames on August 16th, the big games come thick and fast soon after.
The historic Basque and Madrid derbies will be played in September, before El Clasico – the most watched club game in world football – returns in late-October. The historic and always entertaining Seville, Valencia and Barcelona derbies follow in November, December and January, respectively.
LaLiga will continue to offer leading television broadcast technology to millions of fans across the world this season.
State-of-the-art aerial cameras are now operative at 11 different LaLiga stadiums, with Getafe, Eibar and Real Sociedad the latest clubs to adopt the technology, while eight stadiums offer 360° replays.
4K cinematic production is now a permanent feature of LaLiga Santander broadcasts, which last season reached an audience of over 2.7 billion fans around the world. This season will also see the return of VAR (Video Assisted Referee) following a highly successful first season in which the ‘correct decision rate’ in disputed incidents rose from 91.5% to 96.92%.
Both LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank will feature a new match ball designed by PUMA this season while the competition will also debut an all-new soundtrack written by Emmy Award-winner and Hollywood film composer Lucas Vidal.
The composition features the real-life heartbeats of 90 unborn children – the future fans of LaLiga – and will be used in all LaLiga TV broadcasts across the world.
Santander returns as the competition’s title sponsor, while sports-scoring app Livescore, PUMA and Budweiser join EA Sports, Rexona and Clear Men as global sponsors ahead of the 2019/20 season. Regional sponsors in Nigeria include SportPesa, GB Foods and Big Cola.
Nigerian player, Chidozie Awaziem who was recently signed by CD Leganes will join the likes of Azeez Ramon of Granada FC, Kenneth Omeruo of CD Leganes and Samuel Chwukwueze of Villareal to represent Nigeria in the Spanish league.
Commenting on the new season, LaLiga Delegate in Nigeria, Guillermo Perez Castello said, “We are happy to bring to our Nigerian fans another season of exciting football experience. This season, LaLiga plans to reinforce its commitment to the Nigerian market through partnerships such as the LaLiga – NPFL coaching seminar for Nigerian youth coaches, the LaLiga – NPFL U-15 tournament, the MoU signing with the NWFL to bolster women’s sports, the partnership with HiFL and LaLiga’s partnership with Lagos Business School to provide sports business management programmes”.
With excitement, passion and unrivalled drama guaranteed on every matchday, you won’t want to miss a single moment of LaLiga Santander 2019/20, which will be available on DSTV on Super Sport 7 or GoTV Max on SS4 all season long. LaLiga matches are currently available on 93 international broadcasters in 183 different countries around the world. Let the games begin!
COVER PHOTO CAPTION
L-r: Ayodeji Adegbenro, Projects and Communications Coordinator LaLiga Nigeria; Prahlad Gangudharan, CEO Big Bottling Company; Olajumoke Okikiolu, Consumer Connections Manager International Breweries Plc ; Guillermo Perez Castello, LaLiga delegate in Nigeria; Tolulope Adedeji, Marketing Manager International Breweries Plc Mutiu Adepoju, LaLiga Ambassador in Nigeria; Perpetual Ohiri, Market &Trade Marketing Manager, Big Bottling Company at the LaLiga 2019/2020 Season Kick-Off Event in Lagos.
MTN Nigeria, the official sponsor of the English Premier League (EPL) on SuperSport, successfully hosted an electrifying Manchester Derby watch party at Bay Lounge, Lekki, on April 6, 2025. Football fans gathered for a superb night of live-action football, engaging discussions, and exciting giveaways.
Building on the success of its previous Arsenal vs. Manchester United watch party, MTN Nigeria once again provided a premium viewing experience that brought fans together to celebrate their shared passion for football.
These fans enjoyed their match on a big screen among other football lovers. The Derby ended in a tense goalless draw that, while lacking in goals, was full of drama.
Fans erupted at every near-miss, debated tactical battles, and rode the emotional rollercoaster of a match that left City’s Champions League hopes hanging and reflected Manchester United’s season frustrations.
Looking ahead, this draw presents an opportunity for Newcastle United, as they could overtake City for fifth place if they secure a victory against Leicester City, who are battling relegation, on Monday; highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the dynamic possibilities for all teams involved.
Nwadinma Gregory, one lucky attendee who walked away with an MTN broadband MiFi, said “The energy at the MTN Nigeria watch party was absolutely incredible! Watching the Manchester Derby with fellow fans, experiencing every goal, every near miss and every thrilling moment together made it unforgettable. MTN really knows how to bring football lovers together for an amazing experience!”
One of the biggest talking points was Kevin De Bruyne, who recently announced this would be his final season at Manchester City.
Fans took the opportunity to reflect on his remarkable legacy. Mickhael Ehi, an attendee, shared his thoughts on De Bruyne’s impact and contribution to the team, highlighting the significance of his career at the club: “Seeing De Bruyne in what might be his last Manchester Derby was bittersweet. He’s been a Premier League legend: the assists, the vision, the leadership. Even if he wasn’t at his peak today, you could feel the respect from the crowd. Players like him don’t come around often.”
Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s PR Manager, highlighted the brand’s dedication to enhancing football experiences:
“At MTN Nigeria, we are committed to enriching the experiences of our customers and football lovers. The Premier League is more than just football; it’s about community, passion, and unforgettable moments, and we are proud to bring that to our fans.”
With the EPL season still in full swing, MTN Nigeria will continue to create unique engagement opportunities for fans, ensuring they stay connected to the game they love.
…reaffirms MTN Nigeria’s support following ‘draw’ with Zimbabwe.
MTN Nigeria, the official telecommunications partner of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has reiterated its unwavering support for the Super Eagles following their spirited draw with Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Building on the momentum from their recent victory against Rwanda, MTN Nigeria had expressed strong backing for the national team ahead of the crucial fixture. Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, stated before the game, “We are confident in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud and qualify for the World Cup.”
Despite the draw, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, maintained a positive outlook. “While tonight’s outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, we remain steadfast in our support for the Super Eagles. This result is just part of the journey towards World Cup qualification, and we believe in the team’s resilience and ability to succeed,” Toriola said.
The match showcased the Super Eagles’ grit and determination as they found their rhythm against the Zimbabwean side. Nigeria scored the first goal, demonstrating their prowess and fighting spirit, although the match ultimately ended in a draw. This result has added to the excitement of Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MTN Nigeria, which signed a deal with the NFF in 2021 as the Official Telecoms Partner, has been a constant pillar of support for Nigerian football for over two decades. The company’s commitment extends from grassroots to national levels, investing significantly in the development of local football.
“Our support for the Super Eagles and all national teams is part of our long-standing tradition,” Toriola added. “We are building a sustainable legacy of collaboration, growth, and development in the football space. Tonight’s result doesn’t change our belief in the team’s potential to make all Nigerians proud on the global stage. We believe in our Eagles.”
As the Super Eagles regroup and prepare for their next qualifier, MTN Nigeria has called on all Nigerians to rally behind the team. The company emphasized that this is a crucial time for unity and continued support, expressing confidence that the Super Eagles will overcome this challenge and strive towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sports
Portugal Football Club Signs on 19-Year-Old Nigerian- born Footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah
Reporter: Sandra Ani
Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, a football club founded in 1956, has signed an official contract with a United Kingdom-based highly-talented, young Nigeria-born footballer, Yaqub Usman-Malah.
The official unveiling of the young promising footballer was carried out on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Yaqub, born in Nigeria in 2006, is a budding Nigerian talent with unquantifiable promise and potential.
Prior to his official contract with Brito Sporting Club of Portugal, he was a student and a trainee player with the Brooke College Football Academy in the United Kingdom.
At Brooke College Football Academy, Yaqub had an impressive goal average of 17 goals in 32 matches with no injuries in 116 training days, cumulating into 2, 270 minutes of on-field action.
A clear testimony of his outstanding performance at the Academy was provided by the lead coach of the Under-17B team Yaqub played with.
The lead coach, Tomasz Wasylik, described Yaqub as a ‘well-liked person’ and a role model to his teammates due to his professionalism and unmatched work rate.
The Lead Coach further stated that Yaqub has played in National School Cup competitions against other colleges and programmes in the 2023/2024 session and is a good ‘tactical player’, ‘technically good” and can ‘play in multiple positions on the field’.
It is expected that Yaqub will live to the potential and promise identified by Coach Tomasz Wasylik of the Brooke College Football Academy and achieve greatness in his new club.
“While looking forward to the display of his unarguable skills and boundless stamina, we wish Yaqub a successful career and a place in the halls of football greatness across the globe,” Yaqub’s father, Mr Usman Malah said in a statement issued to the media, on Wednesday 8, 2025.
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