Sports
Elegbeleye lists benefits of the NPFL-Sevilla deal
Joel Ajayi
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye has explained that clubs in the league stand to reap financial benefits in the future from the partnership with Spanish side, Sevilla FC.
Elegbeleye spoke from Spain where he travelled to put pen to paper in formalising the collaboration that would see NPFL clubs Coaches receive training facilitated by the club.
“In the long run, there would be the possibility of the NPFL youth players attracting offers from international clubs and this will go a long way in ensuring financial stability for our Clubs and reduce their dependence on government for those clubs funded by states”, Elegbeleye told NPFL Media.
As part of the deal, a team selected during the NPFL U-17 Youth League would be embarking on a training tour to Spain and would be hosted by Sevilla. While in Spain, they will receive training at the club academy and play friendly games.
“The tour of Spain will provide international exposure to the young players and an opportunity to exhibit their natural skills to attract offers. It is a career development path for the youth team members of NPFL Clubs”, added the league chairman.
The players numbering 30 have training in a camp at the FIFA Goal Project since July 21 and have played trial matches with some Abuja-based clubs.
Elegbeleye also said that the partnership with Sevilla also aims to strengthen sporting and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Spain. This, he stated has already culminated in a visit to the Spanish ambassador to Nigeria.
In Spain, the NPFL Chairman was hosted by top officials of the LaLiga club led by the President, José María del Nido Carrasco. Carrasco expressed delight at the opportunity to partner with the NPFL, adding that it would grow the club’s fanbase in Africa’s most populous nation.
“We are very happy to be able to work with the Nigerian Premier Football League. Sevilla FC is convinced that this alliance can help NPFL clubs to continue improving and encourage the development of youth players.
“It is a new decisive step in our internationalisation process and will help our brand to continue to grow in Africa, in a country like Nigeria from which we are receiving a lot of support after the signing of Chidera Ejuke,”
The partnership made the NPFL a member of Sevilla’s ‘World Club Alliance Program’ which aims to establish the club’s presence globally.
Sports
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
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