The chairman/CEO of ProStar Limited, Mr Paul Maduakor has come out with a declaration that football clubs, their supporters and all sports lovers can get top-quality jerseys in Nigeria.
Read Also: BREAKING: Lagos To Host NPFL AGM From July 15-16
Speaking against the backdrop of recent calls for Nigeria made kit to be donned by league clubs and people who are engaged in other sporting events across the country, Maduakor said it is a workable venture.
He hinted at improvements that can be seen in the Nigerian textile manufacturing sphere, which he cited as a big boost to the production of quality jerseys in the country.
The renowned sports kit manufacturer and shop owner, who is also the president of Nigerian Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), added that it is high time people showed more interest in indigenous products.
He added that there is a need for Nigerians to patronise homemade jerseys of local clubs the same way they clamour for products of foreign teams like Chelsea and Manchester United.
Maduakor extenuated, “I’ve been in this business for over 23 years. It is something that we need to keep clamouring for. It’s even better now because the industry of textiles in Nigeria is really coming up.”
He then urged Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs to take the bull by the horn and begin seeking ways through which they can raise funds from the sale of their replica jerseys.
“The love for Nigerian club jerseys is increasing every day. We know the number of people who come to our shop to ask for club jerseys. So, it’s time for them to really take a closer look at the potentials.
“Let’s look at how we can maximise the potentials that the environment is providing.
“For instance, Ikorodu City of Lagos that just gained promotion can key into the large population at their base.
“That number can be looked at, and we will make good quality merchandise to satisfy the people. Imagine how much Chelsea and Man U fans are spending here in Nigeria, buying the clubs’ jerseys and everything here in Nigeria.
“It’s time for us to look inwards, and you will discover that, just from the area of merchandising alone, the players will smile well, and the club will look big.
“They will get bigger, be able to provide comfort for their players, and their team will be stronger. Everything will come in place for us,” Paul Maduakor reckoned.
He stressed that sales of replica jerseys and marketing of club merchandise are two aspects of generating funds that need to be tackled frontally in Nigeria.
