Football fans in Aba and Awka are set for a high-energy Premier League night as Tiger Beer hosts live watch parties for Manchester United’s clash with West Ham United.

The events, holding on 10 February at Oris Lounge in Aba and La Caverna Lifestyle in Awka, follow a packed and lively viewing experience in Port Harcourt during United’s game against Arsenal.

Organisers say the East is next to experience what they describe as a “premium communal football experience”.

Why it matters

Football viewing events have become a growing part of Nigeria’s urban nightlife culture, especially during major Premier League fixtures.

For brands, they are also an opportunity to connect with young consumers through shared experiences rather than traditional advertising.

Nigeria has one of the largest fan bases for English football in Africa, with Manchester United among the most supported clubs.

By bringing watch parties to cities outside Lagos and Abuja, Tiger Beer is tapping into the strong football culture in eastern Nigeria.

A watch party designed like matchday

Tiger Beer says the venues will feature large screens, immersive sound systems and stadium-style layouts designed to recreate the atmosphere of a live match.

“Every pass, tackle and interception lands harder when fans experience it together and react as one,” the organisers said in a statement.

The brand added that the aim is to create a setting where fans can sing, debate tactics and celebrate goals collectively.

Eastern football culture on display

In Port Harcourt, fans arrived in jerseys and passionately debated team selections before kick-off.

Tiger Beer says Aba and Awka will bring their own flavour.

“The energy will be raw, organic and expressive, the kind that reminds you that football is emotional before it is logical,” the statement said.

Prizes and fan rewards

One fan in Aba and another in Awka will win a signed Manchester United jersey.

Organisers say the prize is designed to give supporters a “personal football memory” beyond the 90 minutes o

There will also be face painting and football quizzes to deepen engagement.

For 26-year-old United fan Emeka Nwafor in Aba, the appeal is simple.

“Watching alone at home is fine. But when you score and everyone jumps at the same time, that feeling is different,” he said.

The communal roar

Tiger Beer has framed the experience around the slogan “Together Roars Louder”.

If the Port Harcourt event is anything to go by, organisers expect loud reactions when goals go in and emotional swings until the final whistle.

What’s next

Tiger Beer says more cities could host future watch parties, urging fans to follow @tigerbeerng on Instagram for updates.

With Manchester United chasing consistency this season, supporters will be hoping the energy in Aba and Awka matches the intensity on the pitch.

Nigeria’s National Assembly has set new deadlines for the revival of the Bash Ali Boxing Project, raising hopes that the long-awaited world title fight could finally take place.

The Public Petition Committee of the National Assembly (NASS) issued the directive during a hearing in Abuja on Monday, January 27, 2026.

World boxing champion Bash Ali, OON, appeared at the hearing alongside officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Lawmakers directed the NSC to re-inaugurate the project’s Local Organising Committee within 30 days and host the fight within 90 days.

The move follows years of delays that have stalled what is expected to be Africa’s first-ever world heavyweight title bout hosted on the continent.

“Never give up on yourself. Never give up on your dream,” Bash Ali told lawmakers, urging authorities to see the project through.

Why it matters

The Bash Ali Boxing Project is seen as a landmark opportunity for Nigerian sports, with the potential to place the country firmly on the global boxing map.

Nigeria has not hosted a world heavyweight title fight before, making the project symbolic for both sports development and national pride.

Government and institutional role

The National Sports Commission, Nigeria’s apex sports authority, is responsible for coordinating logistics, security, and international boxing requirements for the fight.

By setting firm deadlines, the National Assembly is signaling increased legislative oversight and pressure on sports administrators to deliver.

Lawmakers at the hearing stressed that the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and economic growth.

What’s next

The National Sports Commission now has 30 days to reconstitute the Local Organising Committee.

If successful, preparations for the fight are expected to move quickly, with international boxing bodies, sponsors, and broadcasters likely to be engaged ahead of the 90-day hosting deadline.

All eyes will be on whether the latest intervention finally turns the Bash Ali Boxing Project from promise into reality.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has announced its continued sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament, one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious sporting competitions.

The 2026 tournament will take place at the Lagos Polo Club in Ikoyi from 27 January to 15 February, drawing top local and international polo teams, as well as spectators from across Africa and beyond.

Organisers say the event will feature elite competition for major trophies, including the Majekodunmi Cup, Independence Cup, Open Cup, Silver Cup and Low Cup.

Beyond the matches, guests are expected to experience a mix of equestrian sport, lifestyle showcases and curated hospitality experiences, with the tournament also being livestreamed to global audiences.

GTCO: ‘Sport amplifies opportunity’

Speaking on the sponsorship, Segun Agbaje, Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, said the tournament aligns closely with the company’s values.

“This tournament, one of the oldest in Africa, celebrates not only the noble sport of polo but the values we hold dear as a brand: teamwork, discipline, fair play, and a commitment to excellence,” he said.

“Beyond the field, it showcases Nigeria and Africa to a global audience, reinforcing the continent’s place on the world stage.”

Mr Agbaje added that GTCO’s long-standing involvement reflects its belief in sport as a driver of connection and opportunity.

“Our longstanding sponsorship of the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament reflects our conviction that sport can amplify opportunity, foster connections, and deliver world-class experiences for all.”

Heritage, sport and national image

Founded decades ago, the NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament is widely regarded as a symbol of sporting heritage in Nigeria and Africa.

What it means for the economy and society

Major sporting events like the Lagos International Polo Tournament generate economic activity across hospitality, logistics, media and tourism.

They also provide a platform for Nigeria to project a positive national image, particularly through livestreaming and international participation.

For fans, the tournament offers both in-person and digital access to elite polo, widening its appeal beyond the confines of the polo club.

What’s next

Organisers say preparations are underway to deliver a seamless experience for players, guests and online viewers, with expectations of increased international engagement during the 2026 edition.