With the 2014 FIFA World Cup reminding us of the immense global popularity of football, Africa Magic Entertainment is set to kick off its fantastic sports game show, Football Legends Nigeria.
The hot new primetime addition makes its first appearance on DStv channel 150/151 on Sunday, July 6, a week before the World Cup final. The format is developed and produced by African Media & Productions Network (AMPN).
Taking on a midfielder role on Football Legends Nigeria is the ultimate fan himself, Jimmie Akinsola, who is also a devoted sports presenter.
But he’s no rookie to the game. As series host, Akinsola, brings his boundless passion for football into play (in this case, in a beautiful studio in Lagos).
Surrounded by a vocal studio audience, Jimmie will be at the centre of the action, as two teams of Nigerian football legends ably supported by two fast-talking skippos, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Sylvester Obialor (a.k.a. Odogwu), will compete against each other as they attempt to relive some of the greatest moments in Nigerian, African and international soccer history.
A game show with a difference, in each 48-minute episode of Football Legends Nigeria, the Legends will share their favourite football moments, challenge their knowledge of historical facts and finally see if they have the skills to score. The audience will relive and celebrate the beautiful moments this sport has brought the world and will have goose bumps from start to finish. All these with the legends themselves!
Explaining the show’s creation, M-Net West Africa Regional Director, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, said: “Our production strategy is to make relevant programming that is responsive to the needs of our audiences, both male and female.
“Given the level of excitement for the World Cup among our viewers, we felt Football Legends Nigeria was a perfect tie-in. It also allows us to pay tribute to those stars who have shone, those moments that have thrilled us.
“Thanks to a format that is simple to grasp; it is also a fun way to see the lighter side of accomplished athletes who are as competitive in studio as they are on the field.
“While the competitors are Nigerian this time, the spirit and atmosphere of the show is sure to appeal to any football-loving viewer.”
Obi Asika, co-founder of AMPN West Africa, said the following about Football Legends Nigeria: “Football is our lifeblood as Nigerians and I am no different; so I am very proud that AMPN West Africa created this format and it will flight for the first time in Nigeria.
“We hope it will bring our people together and remind everybody of glorious days. Our thanks to Africa Magic who have made this possible, and to our partners, crew and production team who are working to deliver this exciting new show. We hope the Nigerian and African audiences will enjoy watching as we celebrate our Legends.”
Legends in the starting line-up of the show are: Fatai Amoo, Joe Erico, David Ngodigha, Gift Okunwa Sowemimo, Julius Aghahowa, Jonathan Akpoborie, Clement Temile, Mike Onyemaracha, Waidi (Waheed) Akanni, Friday Elaho, Etim Esin, Yisa Sofoluwe and Sunday Ine
Others include Muyiwa Oshode, Felix Owolabi, Gbenga Okunowo, Teslim Fatusi, Mutiu Adepoju, Victor Agali, Tajudeen Disu, Kadiri Ikhana, Ann Chiejine, Felix Owolabi, Friday Ekpo, Patrick Udoh, Yomi Peters, Taribo West, Ifeanyi Udeze and Peter Rufai.
