Sports

NPFL, Sevilla sign Collaboration Deal

Published

8 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.”

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Sports

NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney

Published

33 mins ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.

Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.

In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.

“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.

“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.

Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.

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