Champs City has announced FirstBank as its first lead partner, marking a historic milestone for the Nigerian sports organization.
This was announced in a press release on Monday, 18th August 2025, seen by Arbiterz media.
With a 131-year legacy of excellence, FirstBank brings financial strength and credibility to this partnership, reinforcing its commitment to sports development, youth empowerment, and community growth.
According to Champs City, the partnership marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of its vision – “to speak to humanity and inspire the world through sports”.
What The Partnership Means for Champs City
According to the press release, the partnership represents a game-changing opportunity for Champs City to expand its reach and deepen its impact. Specifically, it will:
- Enhance the ability to train Nigeria’s next generation of elite athletes.
- Expand access to quality education and coaching for aspiring athletes.
- Redirect children from street life by channeling their energy into sports, making communities safer.
- Strengthen the recruitment and training of coaches, sports professionals, and administrators.
- Contribute significantly to the overall development of sports in Nigeria.
- Bolster Champs City’s broader community development initiatives.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Odinaka Iloh, President of Champs City, said:
“We are very excited to have FirstBank as a lead partner; trusting us with their reputation is a big vote of confidence in our vision. We are ready and pleased to accept the responsibilities this new relationship entails. We fully understand that the best way to reward FirstBank’s and other partners’ trust is to deliver on our promises and achieve our objectives.”
What The Partnership Offers FirstBank
According to the press release, for FirstBank, the collaboration aligns with its longstanding commitment to advancing sports as a tool for development. Champs City will provide FirstBank with:
- Branding rights, including logo placement on official match and training jerseys, videos, and digital content.
- Collaboration on grassroots football programmes and community initiatives.
- Rights to use video clips, images, and logos for campaigns.
- Co-branded fan experiences.
- Recognition as the official financial services partner.
Speaking on behalf of FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, noted:
“We are pleased to partner with Champs City on this impactful initiative. At FirstBank, we have long recognised the power of sports to drive individual, community, and national development. Our First@Sports initiative is a testament to our long-standing commitment to nurturing talent and fostering community through decades of strategic investment in golf, polo, and basketball. Partnering with Champs City will help us deepen our grassroots impact in a way that is sustainable. The combination of education and sports in their approach to developing sports talents and community engagement is particularly compelling to us.”
She further emphasized:
“We aim to leverage this partnership to make a significant impact on the lives of the academy participants and all Nigerian youths.”
Champs City: Building the Future of Sports in Africa
Champs City International Football Club is a Nigerian sports organization dedicated to football development and youth empowerment. Founded by Odinaka Iloh in 2010 and officially incorporated on January 11, 2011, with co-founders Dr. Peter Ekwueme and Bosun Adedokun, it operates under Champs City Sports and Entertainment, and is headquartered in Maitama, Abuja, since June 8, 2023.
Its flagship initiative, the Junior Champs Academy, recruits and develops talented athletes across Nigeria and Africa. The academy integrates quality education, world-class coaching, and a sustainable business model, creating a pipeline of future football stars and leaders.
Why This Partnership Matters
The collaboration between FirstBank and Champs City represents more than a sponsorship, it’s a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. By combining sports, education, and community empowerment, this alliance creates pathways for young people to thrive while strengthening the nation’s sporting culture.