How ‘cheers to all fans’ campaign shook Warri, Abuja, others

Abuja and the oil-rich city of Warri were pumped up with excitement as the Heineken ‘Cheers to All Fans Campaign’ train made a big splash in the two cities.

With fans across the world already eager to know the finalists in this season’s Champions League, the brand gave passionate fans in Abuja and Warri something extra to look forward to.

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, while AC Milan were hoping to turn the tables after a 0-2 deficit from the first leg.

Most fans on the night in Warri were neutral; unanimously wishing the better side to pick the ticket and that better side turned out to be Inter who won the second leg again.

Laturo Martinez got the goal that saw Inter progressed on a 3-0 aggregate scoreline and ended their 13-year wait for a chance in the Champions League final.

As jubilant Inter fans partied into the night at San Siro, it was the same festive atmosphere in Warri as Heineken pumped up the excitement for the fans, who gushed over the unique viewing experience.

Cheers to all fans were evident as there was a high turnout of female football enthusiasts, who commended the brand for their deliberate inclusivity drive.

“I like football a bit but tonight, Heineken has made me even like the game the most. This unique experience is so fantastic and I really enjoyed myself with my friends,” a Warri resident, Sandra Achi 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.

On the same day, Oris Lounge, Aba and Rehab Lounge, Benin, were also parts of the magic for the Milan derby with hundreds of fans also served unique match viewing experience.

Then the attention on Wednesday shifted to the seat of power in Abuja for the Manchester City and Real Madrid duel.

The Papiee’s Meatro was jam-packed with fans ready to enjoy what was predicted as an 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.

In the same way, nobody would have predicted the 4-0 outcome at the Etihad Stadium, the excitement and fun provided by Heineken in Abuja were also unprecedented; surpassing the expectations of everyone that was part of the Cheers to All Fans campaign.

Not even the light showers last Wednesday could rub the fans the excitement, as people from all walks of life, who found their way to the Papiee’s Maetro, confessed they were happy with their smart decision.

One of the fans, Ndubuisi Ikemefuna, despite the scrambled DSTV signal caused by rain said he was happy that at last his beloved side, City would play in the UCL finals next month.

According to him, Man City is the best on the planet and nothing will stop them from achieving the treble.

Another fan, Obinna Iroji, lamented Madrid’s loss, saying Ancelotti did not get 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 an ideal place for me and my family to unwind,” he said.

Despite the fans’ mix of fulfillment and disappointment at the end of regulation time, they had a night they would continue to relish courtesy of the ‘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.