A recent development has set many Nigerian football fans brimming with excitement as Tony Elumelu, the founder and chairman of the United Bank of Africa (UBA), is contemplating acquiring a Nigerian football club.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has been grappling with ongoing challenges, prompting discussions within the football community about potential solutions, Footballrover reports.
One proposed remedy gaining traction is private ownership of clubs.
In a bid to invigorate the league, Nigerian lawyer Adedayo Mustapha recently suggested that major corporations in Nigeria should consider purchasing league clubs as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Mustapha’s proposition has struck a chord, with many envisioning the transformative impact such investments could have on the Nigerian league.
Taking to social media, Mustapha painted a vivid picture of heightened competition and corporate involvement, urging stakeholders to seize the opportunity.
Can we get the President and Ministry of Sport to weigh in on the big corporations in Nigeria to buy at least one league club as part of CSR? Imagine dangote buys Kano pillars, BUA buys Kwara United, elumelu acquires rivers United, geregu takes over 3sc. Imagine the competition https://t.co/faKwzRXCpI
— Adedayo Mustapha (@LawyerDayo) April 8, 2024
And while responding to Mustapha’s call to action, Elumelu affirmed his interest in the initiative.
He revealed that Sports Minister John Enoh had approached him to discuss the feasibility of corporate involvement in club ownership.
“This is a nice idea. The Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh is already thinking along this line and has approached me and we are already evaluating viability,” he wrote
This is a nice idea ????????.
The Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh @OwanEnoh, is already thinking along this line and has approached me and we are already evaluating viability. https://t.co/egXKD12RPC
— Tony O. Elumelu, CFR (@TonyOElumelu) April 8, 2024
The potential acquisition by Elumelu, a respected figure in both the business and sporting spheres, has ignited hope and excitement among Nigerians.
Many see it as a significant step towards revitalising the NPFL and elevating Nigerian football to greater heights.
Handles such as @PrideOfRivers are already urging the businessman to acquire Rivers United, the 2021/22 NPFL champions.
Hi Tony Elumelu, Rivers United eagerly welcomes you to consider investing in our club! https://t.co/an0wFSdtrr
— Pride of Rivers (@PrideOfRivers) April 8, 2024
Currently, as the NPFL enters its second phase, fervent competition is underway, with clubs like Enugu Rangers, Lobi Stars, Remo Stars, and reigning champions Enyimba FC contending for glory.
With Elumelu’s potential entry into club ownership, the landscape of Nigerian football could undergo a remarkable transformation, ushering in a new era of prosperity and competitiveness.
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