International fashion and sportswear brand, PUMA has terminated its agreement with Nigeria following the recent embarrassment that occurred in the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
ABN TV recalls that Nigeria trended for the wrong reasons after an athlete, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi posted a video of himself washing his Olympic Jersey along with a caption “When you made the Olympic finals but have only one Jersey” on Instagram.
The post trended on social media with many Nigerians asking why an athlete will be given only one jersey.
On Wednesday afternoon, Kaduna central senator, Shehu Sani disclosed that PUMA had offered Nigeria free Olympic kits but they were rejected by Nigerian officials.
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BACKGROUND
ABN TV gathered that the Athletic Federation of Nigeria under the leadership of Gusau Ibrahim had had signed a controversial $2.76m deal with Puma on July 24, 2019, in Doha.
The deal created heavy crisis within the athletics body splitting it into two factions. The deal, signed by Gusau-led AFN was due to expire in 2022.
The contract stipulated that PUMA will supply kits and outfits to all age categories to Nigeria’s Athletics team for four years at no cost. In addition, gold medalists at the Olympic Games will earn $15,000, silver medalists will get 5,000 while a bronze medal will fetch athletes wearing the PUMA apparel at the games $3,000.
PUMA terminated the contract in a letter dated Wednesday, August 4, 2021, and signed PUMA’s director, Edlheimb Manuel.
According to PUMA, the termination of the deal was a result of Nigeria’s athletes’ inability to wear the brand at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The letter read in part;
“We are referring to the licensing and sponsoring agreement signed between our company and your federation.”
“As a direct consequence of the recent developments, particularly at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 and pursuant to clauses 9.2 and 7.3 of the Agreement, we hereby terminate the Agreement with immediate effect.”
“PUMA especially declares to be discharged from any or all obligations towards all stakeholders involved and reserves all rights against these entities and individuals”.
