Sports
Shield Partners with Chelsea Football Club.
SHIELD, South Africa’s selling deodorant brand, has today announced a partnership with Chelsea Football Club. The two champion brands have come together to celebrate and inspire South Africans who are making moves, both on and off the field.
To kick-off the partnership, Shield is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – the chance for one lucky person to spend a day training with Chelsea F.C. coaches at the team’s training ground in Cobham to see what it takes to play like a champion. In addition, one lucky superfan will win a Chelsea F.C. dream trip to watch the first team training and meet the team at the Cobham Training Centre. (See further details below.)
The new partnership will inspire young, aspiring South Africans who understand that achieving success requires hard work, practice, and absolute dedication – both on and off the field. Winning requires that you get up and get moving. Sometimes that means getting up before sunrise, or rolling up your sleeves to finish that job, or even nailing that penalty kick to win the series. It’s those moments when you rely on Shield. With its superior protection, Shield keeps you dry and odour-free, so that every move you make is one you make with confidence.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Chelsea Football Club. Soccer is the most loved sport in South Africa and is a key passion point for our consumers,” said Gareth Marshall, Senior Brand Manager of Shield South Africa. “Confidence to perform in the moments that matter can often be the difference between winning and losing. With Shield, anyone can have the confidence to take on the day, no matter what their movements are. When you move with purpose, you get things done.”
Soccer is the most loved sport in South Africa and is a key passion point for our consumers
Chelsea F.C. is considered one of the most successful soccer clubs in the world, representing athletes at the top of their game. Players like Eden Hazard, Victor Moses and Cesc Fabregas are the embodiment of hard work, commitment, and absolute dedication. The team is the perfect partner for Shield to launch this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to find SA’s best aspiring soccer star and give them a chance to train like a champion.
“This partnership with Shield will provide an amazing opportunity for aspiring footballers in South Africa,” said Ian Woodroffe, international development manager of the Chelsea Foundation. “We know the country holds many players with a huge passion for football and this competition gives them the chance to demonstrate their passion and ability. The Chelsea Foundation works hard to improve the lives of young people all over the world and we look forward to extending our work in South Africa.”
The nationwide competition, launched today, is open to all South Africans. To enter, just purchase any Shield product and send your barcode for a chance to win.
Aspiring soccer players from across South Africa can win a chance to participate in nationwide trials conducted by Chelsea coaching staff to compete for the ultimate prize – a chance to train at the Chelsea Football Club for a day. There will be five heats taking place in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth and Durban. The knock-out rounds will be aired across South Africa on SABC’s Soccer Zone.
For those who prefer to enjoy the game from the stands, there is an opportunity for the ultimate Chelsea fan to win a Chelsea F.C. dream trip, including the opportunity to watch Chelsea play live and meet the team at Stamford Bridge Stadium.
Join the conversation by using the hashtag #MoveWithShield on Shield’s Twitter @Shield_ZA (twitter.com/Shield_ZA), Instagram @ShieldZA (instagram.com/shieldza), and Facebook ShieldZA (facebook.com/ShieldZA) accounts for more information and to follow the excitement.
Captain of the Super Falcons, Rasheedat Ajibade, has said the team is determined to become the best women’s football team in the world.
Ajibade spoke yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a reception hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in honour of the Falcons following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Nigerian ladies clinched their 10th continental title after a hard-fought campaign, further cementing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s team.
Ajibade, in an emotional speech, said the team’s goal goes beyond continental glory.
“We’re not content to rest on our laurels. Our vision is bold. We want to become the best women’s football team in the world,” the Atletico Madrid star said.
She described herself as “a proud daughter of Nigeria” and paid tribute to the dreams of young girls across the country who look up to the team.
“This victory is not just a trophy. It is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Nigeria. It is a celebration of every young girl in our villages, towns, and cities who dares to dream,” she said.
Ajibade, who spoke on behalf of the team, coaches, and technical crew, thanked the Federal Government for its support and appealed for continued investment in women’s football.
President Tinubu, in his address, conferred national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and the 11-member technical crew.
The President also approved the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to each team member under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme and a cash reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each player, while members of the technical team received $50,000 each.
He praised the Falcons for lifting the nation’s spirit and inspiring unity through their performance.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Tinubu said.
“You have inspired me too. You represent the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you and the next generation.”
The President said the Falcons’ WAFCON victory was not just a sporting feat but a symbol of the courage, discipline and resilience that define Nigerians.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency,” he said.
The reception was attended by top government officials, sports administrators, and stakeholders in the football community.
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Super Falcons on their historic 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
The Falcons, who came from two goals down to seal the win in Rabat, clinched their 10th WAFCON title—further cementing their status as the most successful team in the history of the competition. Reacting to the victory, Oseni described the performance as “a warrior’s triumph that speaks volumes about the indomitable Nigerian spirit.”
In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele in Ibadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency said the team’s resilience should serve as a symbol of hope and unity for the entire nation. “They refused to surrender. That comeback from two goals down defines who we are as Nigerians—strong, focused, and unstoppable when united,” he said.
The Falcons had gone behind in the 13th minute when Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak capitalised on a loose ball to fire past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. The hosts doubled their lead through Sanaâ Mssoudy before halftime, putting Nigeria on the back foot before the break.
However, second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini turned the game on its head, securing victory for Coach Justin Madugu’s side and avenging their 2024 semi-final loss to the North Africans. Oseni also hailed Madugu’s tactical brilliance, describing him as “the architect of a new chapter in women’s football in Nigeria.”
The lawmaker who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) joined other national figures, including President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in celebrating the Falcons. The President had earlier taken to his verified social media accounts to praise the team’s performance, declaring, “Mission X: Complete!” while Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos, described it as a flawless display of Nigerian spirit.
Oseni urged the Falcons not to rest on their laurels but to build on the momentum ahead of their title defence and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. “This is just the beginning. You have inspired millions of girls across the continent. Keep flying the flag and keep making Nigeria proud,” he added.
He also called on sports authorities and private stakeholders to invest more in women’s football, noting that the team’s success was proof of the untapped potential in the sector. “We have global stars in the making. Now is the time to give them the platform and support they truly deserve,” the lawmaker submitted.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons produced a thrilling comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Saturday, clinching their record-extending 10th continental title.
The win was sweet revenge for Justin Madugu’s side, who were eliminated by the Atlas Lionesses in the semi-finals of the previous edition.
Despite a bright start by the Falcons, it was the Moroccans who struck first in the 13th minute. A loose ball fell kindly to tournament top scorer, Ghizlane Chebbak, who rifled her effort past Chiamaka Nnadozie to hand the hosts an early lead.
Nigeria tried to respond through Ijamilusi Folashade, but her tame effort was easily gathered by Moroccan goalkeeper, Khadija Er-Rmichi.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Fatima Tagnaout released Sanaâ Mssoudy, who drove into the box and fired a low, left-footed strike beyond Nnadozie to make it 2-0.
Morocco maintained their advantage into the break as both sides went into the dressing room with the scoreline firmly in the hosts’ favour.
The Super Falcons returned with renewed purpose in the second half, stepping up their intensity and putting the Moroccan defence under sustained pressure.
Nigeria nearly pulled one back when a collision between Er-Rmichi and defender Nesryne El Chad almost gifted the Falcons a goal, but the Moroccan defence cleared their lines in time.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 63rd minute when a ball hooked back into the area by Ijamilusi struck the arm of defender Nouhaila Benzina, resulting in a penalty. Esther Okoronkwo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to halve the deficit.
Eight minutes later, Okoronkwo turned provider, sprinting down the right flank before cutting back a well-timed pass for Ijamilusi, who made no mistake from close range to level the tie at 2-2.
The Falcons completed their sensational comeback in the 88th minute when Jennifer Echegini reacted quickest to a deep free-kick, stabbing home from close range to spark wild celebrations on the Nigerian bench.
The victory sees Nigeria reinforce their dominance in African women’s football, securing their 10th WAFCON title and reasserting their status as the queens of the continent.
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