Sports

NPFL, Sevilla sign Collaboration Deal

Published

3 months ago

July 29, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Spanish LaLiga club, Sevilla FC has reached a deal to collaborate on training of Coaches and development of youth football players of NPFL clubs.

The arrangement is part of the globalisation process by the Spanish club to grow its fanbase across the world and particularly to tap into the huge followership which football enjoys in Nigeria. The NPFL thus became a member of Sevilla’s World Club Alliance Program.

By the agreement, the club will provide advice in sporting and other areas of development, with a special focus on coach training and developing the talent of young Nigerian players.
Chairman of the NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye was in Spain last week to consulate the partnership withJosé María del Nido Carrasco, the President of Sevilla FC.

“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 and particularly in a country like Nigeria from which we are receiving a lot of support after the signing of Chidera Ejuke,” explained José María del Nido Carrasco.

In his response at the signing ceremony, Elegbeleye said, “We have 20 clubs in the NPFL and they all have their youth academies.

“I know the history and track record of Sevilla FC. This is a very good club which has won trophies in Spain and Europe for many years. I feel that, with their development strategy and their youth development programme, Nigeria can benefit. We believe that the best players in the Nigeria Youth League will be able to come here every season to train. With your help and training, when they return, they can become better players”.

Elegbeleye also spoke on the aspect of the pact that is beneficial to the NPFL clubs, noting that “we also have a training agreement for our coaches that will be positive for us. It is a win-win arrangement for everyone in the NPFL “.

The NPFL Chairman also noted that the LaLiga club is already gaining traction amongst Nigeria football fans after Super Eagles player, Chidera Ejuke joined the club from Belgian side, Royal Antwerp.

“When they signed Chidera Ejuke from Royal Antwerp, Nigerians showed a lot of interest in Sevilla FC. They now want to know more about Sevilla and the fan base in Nigeria is growing.”

Share on Facebook

Basketball

WESIE League Set to Transform Basketball and Ignite Investor Interest in Sports, Says Founder Funke Adeniji

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2024

The Gleamer

Funke A. Adeniji, the visionary founder of the Women’s Elite Sports Empowerment Initiative (WESIE), announced that the WESIE Basketball League, a groundbreaking endeavor designed to reimagine basketball in Nigeria and attract increased business investment in sports.

Speaking on the sidelines of the league’s kickoff, Adeniji emphasized that the initiative is more than just a competition—it’s a platform aimed at elevating the visibility and commercial appeal of sports, particularly for women athletes.

“This is the first basketball league of its kind in Nigeria, featuring women’s teams across 15 states,” Adeniji explained. “Every weekend for the next six weeks, fans will see teams battle it out in a home-and-away format, bringing an international-standard experience to audiences nationwide.”

The league, exclusively for players over 18, is rooted in addressing gender disparities in sports. By providing elite female athletes with equal opportunities, WESIE hopes to drive greater recognition, paving the way for enhanced visibility on national and global stages.

“This isn’t just about competition; it’s about transforming the sports landscape to inspire businesses to support and invest in women’s sports, amplifying their market reach and social impact,” Adeniji stated.

The inaugural weekend saw thrilling matchups across seven games, delivering powerful performances and a taste of the excitement to come. Victoria Queens defeated Hope Dreams 52-37, while Life League secured a victory over Book and Ball with a score of 58-47.

In subsequent clashes, Life League narrowly fell to Hoop Dreams 29-30, while Victoria Queens clinched a second triumph, overcoming Book and Ball with a 62-36 win. AGF had a hard-fought battle but narrowly lost to V. Buzzers 57-59. IMBA delivered a solid 50-36 victory over Hope, and Divine Speed capped the weekend with an impressive 23-13 win over Hope, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive season.

Share on Facebook