Ughelli Rovers Football Club is thrilled to announce a milestone partnership with Joseph Christopher Bassey, popularly known as Topher, Big Brother Naija’s superstar from Season 9. Topher will serve as the official jersey designer for Ughelli Rovers FC’s 2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) Division One season, marking a bold new era for the club’s identity and fan engagement.
Topher, through his creative design agency, Creations by Topher, has rapidly become a transformative force in sports fashion and merchandising. This partnership is an outcome of Topher’s recent high-profile collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), where he was appointed the official creative merchandise designer for the AFCON “Let’s Do It Again” campaign. His innovative work on this project, as well as his role as creative director for the Africa Military Games merchandise, has affirmed his reputation as a visionary in African sports fashion.
Beyond reality TV, he has delivered groundbreaking projects for top corporate organizations, including his record-breaking “Topher’24” jersey line and collaborations with leading brands across the continent. These achievements underscore why Ughelli Rovers FC is partnering with him for this pivotal season. Ughelli Rovers FC, a club with a rich history and a promising future in Nigerian football, is set to make its mark in the Nationwide League One (NLO) this season. The club’s management believes that Topher’s involvement will not only elevate the team’s image but also set new standards for sportswear design in Nigeria.
The 2026 Ughelli Rovers FC jersey collection will feature exclusive limited edition designs, such as the Eguono V’Ovwian Limited Edition (Away Kit), celebrating the club’s heritage and community. These collectible pieces will be complemented by fan versions- affordable, mass-market options- ensuring every supporter can own a piece of the club’s new era. In his statement to the press, Oke Umurhohwo, Chairman, Ughelli Rovers Football Club shares that, “The first set of designs will start rolling out from October 2025, we are excited to welcome Topher as our official jersey designer for the upcoming season. His exceptional talent and innovative approach to design perfectly align with our vision for Ughelli Rovers FC. This partnership not only elevates our club’s image but also signals our commitment to excellence both on and off the pitch. We look forward to unveiling a jersey that our players and fans will wear with pride”.
Topher expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I am truly honored to partner with Ughelli Rovers FC at such an exciting and transformative stage in their journey. This collaboration gives an opportunity to infuse fresh energy and bold style into their jersey, while also pushing the boundaries of sports merchandising in Nigeria. I am excited to create something that players and fans alike will proudly wear as a symbol of passion and progress.”
Ughelli Rovers FC has enjoyed several successful seasons with Itel Mobile as its main sponsor. The club is currently in advanced talks with new sponsors, many of whom are eager to align with Topher’s creative direction and the club’s ambitious vision for the future.
