HiTV has been named the winner of the bid for the exclusive rights to broadcast the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the UEFA Cup in Nigeria.
In exercising these rights, HiTv will broadcast live matches, comprehensive highlights programmes as well as delayed match coverage on its Hi Soccer and Hi Sports Channels.
There will also be a magazine programme featuring a weekly review of action, news and events from the scene of the UEFA Champions League.
‘We are pleased to announce a new broadcast partner in the form of HiTV. The strength of their offer demonstrates the importance of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup in Nigeria’, said UEFA.
In addition, football fans in Nigeria will be able to enjoy the action through live streaming on HiTv’s website using their PCs or mobile phones.
As part of its deal with HiTV, UEFA may also award rights to a free-to-air broadcaster in Nigeria for UEFA Champions League matches (including the UEFA Champions League final and the UEFA Super Cup) and UEFA Cup matches (including the UEFA Cup final); but this is yet to be decided.
It is worthy of note that the sales process in sub-Saharan Africa (excluding the Republic of South Africa and Sudan) is proving to be extremely competitive, with UEFA receiving offers from several of the major regional and national broadcasters throughout the continent.