Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the oil-rich city of Warri were pumped with excitement when the Heineken ‘Cheers to All Fans Campaign train made a big splash in the two cities.
With fans across the world already eagerly awaiting the finalists in this season’s Champions League, Heineken made the passionate fans in Abuja and Warri have something extra to look forward to during the epic semi-finals.
In the end, it was a spectacular show, on and off the pitch for the fans and loyal Heineken consumers who thronged the De Clouds Lounge in Warri and then the Papiees Meatro in the heart of Abuja.
In Warri, the attention was on the Milan derby, where Inter were looking to complete a double over their city rivals, AC Milan following after a 2-0 first leg victory.
Most fans on the night in Warri were neutral as they unanimously wished the better side to pick the ticket and that better side turned out to be Inter yet again.
Laturo Martinez got the goal that saw Inter progress on a 3-0 aggregate scoreline and end their 13-year wait for a chance in the Champions League final.
As jubilant Inter fans partied into the night at San Siro, there was also festivity in Warri as Heineken pumped up the excitement for the fans who gushed over the unique viewing experience.
‘Cheers To All Fans’ as preached by Heineken was evident as there was a high turnout of female football enthusiasts who commended the Premium brand for their deliberate inclusivity drive.
“I like football a bit but this night, Heineken has made me even like the game the most, this unique experience is so fantastic and I really enjoyed myself with my friends,” Sandra Achi, a Warri resident, said after the match.
With DJ Blizz dishing out sonorous songs from his turn tables and Mr Barango hitting his A-game with his Hypeman skills it was a lovely night for all in Warri.
Several prizes were also given out to the fans who expressed appreciation to Heineken and also appealed for a swift return to the city.
Meanwhile, fans at the Oris Lounge, Aba and Rehab Lounge Benin were also part of the Heineken magic for the Milan derby with hundreds of fans also served a unique match viewing experience.
Attention then shifted to Abuja on Wednesday for the Manchester City and Real Madrid duel as the Papiee’s Meatro was jam-packed with fans ready to enjoy the explosive encounter.
The first leg encounter had ended 1-1 apiece in Spain a week ago with goals from Vinicius Junior and De Bruyne settling up the tantalizing encounter.
Nobody would have predicted the 4-0 outcome against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium but the excitement and fun provided by Heineken in Abuja were also unprecedented for everyone that was part of the Cheers to All Fans campaign despite the light showers that night.
“Man City is the best on planet and nothing will stop them from achieving the treble” Ndubuisi Ikemefuna said afterwards.
Another fan, Obinna Iroji lamented about Madrid’s loss blaming Ancelotti for not getting his tactics right: “We gave them too much space and respect. It is totally humiliating for us as a team but kudos to Heineken and Papiee’s Maetro for this lovely and serene environment. It’s ideal place for me and family to unwind.”
Despite the fans’ mix of fulfilment and disappointment at the end of the regulation time, they had a night they would continue to relish courtesy of Heineken’s ‘Cheers to All Fans Campaign’
There were plenty of gift items for winners and loads of music supplied by DJ Davidson.
Other top entertainers; including Hypeman K. Bumper, lit the night with their jokes and more as fans soon switched into the party mood after being on the edge of their seats while the game lasted.