Abuja's night sky recently thundered with the passionate roars of football fans, as Guinness Nigeria PLC turned the capital city into a vibrant hub of Premier League excitement. The brand's Guinness Match Day Epic Football Viewing event on Sunday, 30 November 2025, successfully recreated a stadium atmosphere for the highly anticipated London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal.
A Night of Football Euphoria at Papiee's Meatro
The venue, Papiee's Meatro in Jahi, was transformed into a sea of blue and red, pulsating with energy. Hundreds of supporters gathered, their chants and gasps creating a poetic rhythm throughout the evening. Guinness orchestrated an electric, immersive experience complete with giant screens and lively entertainment, captivating thousands of football lovers and reaffirming its role in shaping Nigeria's matchday culture.
Mr. Olayinka Bakare, Marketing and Innovations Director at Guinness Nigeria PLC, emphasized football's central role in the brand's strategy. He described it as a major "passion point" and a key moment for consumer engagement. "Football is one of the biggest consumption occasions for Guinness. As the Premier League’s Official Beer, we leverage the football platform to reach more of our consumers who already enjoy watching football with a beautiful Guinness," Bakare stated.
Why Abuja Was the Perfect Host City
Bakare explained that Abuja was a natural selection for this large-scale event due to its strong football culture and growing demand for premium viewing experiences. "We know the passion consumers have for football and Guinness. Bringing those two passion points together here was only natural," he said.
He also highlighted the brand's enhanced fan engagement initiatives, including the Guinness Fantasy Premier League accessible via guinnessmatchday.com. Furthermore, Bakare reaffirmed Guinness's commitment to supporting local football, mentioning its sponsorship of Ikorodu FC and plans to partner with iconic clubs across Nigeria's geopolitical zones. "Football remains the heartbeat of our consumers, and Guinness wants to walk with them through that passion," he added.
The Northern Division General Manager for the event's organizer, Angkor, praised the "spectacular" turnout and the unmatched energy of Abuja fans. "The vibrant energy Abuja people have for football is unmatched. We wanted to give them a stadium-like experience – giant screens, music, fans, and a lot of Guinness. Not everyone can get to the Premier League, so we brought the experience to them," he said. Given the overwhelming excitement, he confirmed that Abuja can expect more editions in the future.
Fans and Brand Leaders Hail a Successful Event
Attendees from both sides of the rivalry shared their exhilaration. Arsenal supporter Gbenga Olorunpomi commended the perfect fusion of sport and enjoyment, stating, "They found the nexus between football and fun. The ambience is amazing." He urged Guinness to extend similar support to Nigeria's local leagues.
Chelsea fan Maryanne James described the evening as "amazing" and called for future events. Another attendee, Chukwu Chinonso, was impressed by the massive turnout, humorously noting that the crowd made him "believe in the power of email marketing."
From a brand perspective, Odinakachi Njoku, Brand Manager, explained that the Guinness Match Day Epic is part of a broader vision to deliver elevated viewing experiences to fans across Nigeria. "Guinness Matchday brings the stadium experience with a Nigerian effect. We also have Matchday Minis for smaller bars, making sure fans anywhere can enjoy an ice-cold Guinness with great football," she noted.
Ms. Chioma Momah, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, connected the event to Guinness's 75-year legacy in Nigeria. "Guinness cuts across demographics and tribes. We’ve been here 75 years. We want Nigerians to enjoy our drinks responsibly while sharing unforgettable moments together," she said.
As the derby concluded and the night ended, the clinking bottles and fading cheers left a clear message: in Abuja, under the banner of Guinness Match Day, football was more than a game on a screen—it was an experience felt, lived, and celebrated by all.
