The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) will make its debut in the EA SPORTS FC™ Pro elite tournament program this season, marking a significant milestone for the league’s official football esports program.
In collaboration with Integral, Africa’s leading innovative sports management and marketing company based in Lagos, Nigeria, the all-new e-NPFL will provide an opportunity for 24 EA SPORTS FC players to represent NPFL clubs in the competition.
The action-packed e-NPFL tournament will unfold across four regions, with players representing the 20 NPFL clubs in each region. Qualifiers are scheduled from March 9th to April 13th, 2024, in Ibadan, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, and Enugu, culminating in the Grand Finale event in Lagos on April 27th, 2024.
The finalists will vie for a winner-takes-all grand prize of $15,000 (USD), and the ultimate winner will earn a seat in the Play-Ins for the EA SPORTS FC Pro World Championship 2024.
Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the NPFL board, expressed excitement about the esports program, emphasizing the partnership with Integral and the opportunity it presents for NPFL fans to engage in the tournament.
He remarked, “We are thrilled to be part of this landmark series of events, thanks to our partnership with Integral! With Integral’s innovative expertise, the e-NPFL tournament is sure to be engaging and thrilling for both gamers and fans.”
Elegbeleye further highlighted the significance of the NPFL becoming the first West African league to join the EA SPORTS FC™ Pro esports program for 2024.
Managing Director of Integral, Deolu Lamikanra, expressed anticipation for this year’s events, emphasizing the unique gaming experience the partnership with NPFL provides.
He stated, “After a successful first-ever EA SPORTS licensed event last season, we are thrilled to bring an exciting gaming experience with EA SPORTS FC™ 24. Working with the NPFL ensures we provide a unique opportunity for gamers across Nigeria to participate and for NPFL fans to follow the tournament live through our broadcast partners.”
Lamikanra concluded by highlighting Integral’s role in presenting the platform for the e-NPFL champion to represent Nigeria on the global stage, reaffirming the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences.