In a landmark partnership set to redefine Nigerian football, European sportswear giant Fodox Sports has signed a five-year kits deal with the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) a first of its kind for any Nigerian club.
The agreement, unveiled at a vibrant event at the Games Village on Oda Road, Akure, covers the full supply of kits and sportswear for Sunshine Stars FC, Sunshine Queens FC, and the Sunshine Stars U-19 team.
ODSFA Chairman, Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya, hailed the deal as "a remarkable step forward" for the state’s football ambitions. He credited Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for driving the transformation, saying, "This partnership is a testament to how far we’ve come under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership. It’s a win for our players, coaches, fans, and the entire Ondo football community."
The Governor, represented by Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Oluwasegun Henry Omoyofunmi, praised the ODSFA’s leadership and described the deal as "incredible and unprecedented". He pledged the state’s unwavering support for all agency activities.
Fodox Sportswear Director, Mr. Adrovic Senad, shared his enthusiasm, noting it was the company’s first long-term partnership with a Nigerian football entity. He commended Sunshine Stars for their rich legacy and growing international profile and assured supporters of premium-quality kits that meet international standards.
Fans, stakeholders, and officials cheered as team captains of Sunshine Stars, Sunshine Queens, and the U-19 side showcased the newly unveiled kits during the ceremony.
Mr. Segun Giwa, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo Chapter, described the deal as "massive and a morale booster". Hon. Akinrotoye Kehinde, Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Sports, also remarked that the agreement would drive higher performance and professionalism across all ODSFA teams.
The event drew wide representation from Ondo’s football community, including coaches, referees, supporters’ groups, and the state FA.
This unprecedented move places Ondo State firmly at the forefront of football innovation in Nigeria, offering a model for others to follow.
Editorial
This deal between Fodox Sports and the Ondo State Football Agency is a game-changer not just for the Sunshine teams but for the entire Nigerian football landscape. At a time when clubs often struggle with kit quality and sponsorships, Ondo State has taken a bold and visionary leap.
This five year agreement is about more than clothing athletes it’s about respect, identity, and professionalism. When players wear well-designed, high-quality kits, they walk onto the pitch with pride. It sends a message to opponents, fans, and scouts: we are here to compete, and we belong on the global stage.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s role in enabling this deal shows what’s possible when political leadership aligns with sporting ambition. The state has not only secured the backing of an international brand but also set a precedent for sustainable football development through public-private partnerships.
We must now challenge other states to follow suit. Why should clubs in one of the world’s most football-loving nations still struggle with poorly made kits or zero sponsorships? Deals like this one boost morale, attract talent, and fuel long-term growth. They create jobs for local staff, elevate merchandising, and raise club visibility across borders.
What’s most encouraging is the inclusivity—this isn't just for the men’s team. Sunshine Queens and the U-19 squad are fully part of the package, signalling gender balance and youth investment. That’s a forward-thinking strategy we can all applaud.
This deal shows us what Nigerian football can be—ambitious, professional, and proud. It’s a signal that Ondo State has raised the bar, and the rest of Nigeria must catch up.
Did You Know?
Sunshine Stars FC reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League in 2011, a rare feat for Nigerian clubs.
Fodox Sports was founded in the Balkans and has since expanded into over 15 countries across Europe and Africa.
Sunshine Queens FC are one of the few teams to have produced multiple national team players over the past five years.
The new partnership allows for annual kit updates, giving Sunshine fans the chance to buy refreshed designs each season.
The Sunshine Stars U-19 team regularly competes in regional tournaments and has produced players now active in European leagues.
