Sevilla Deal: Elegbeleye Lists Benefits For NPFL

Sevilla Deal: Elegbeleye Lists Benefits For NPFL

Ibrahim Lateef

Gbenga Elegbeleye, the chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), has highlighted the financial benefits that clubs in the league can expect from their partnership with the Spanish team, Sevilla FC.

Elegbeleye, speaking from Spain, where he travelled to formalize the collaboration, explained that NPFL clubs stand to gain from having their coaches trained by Sevilla.

"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 agreement, a team selected from the NPFL U-17 Youth League will have the opportunity to tour Spain and receive training at the Sevilla academy while playing friendly matches. Elegbeleye sees this as a valuable chance for young players to showcase their skills and attract offers, ultimately aiding in their career development.

30 players have been training at the FIFA Goal Project camp since July 21 and have participated in trial matches with clubs based in Abuja.

Elegbeleye also emphasized that the partnership with Sevilla aims to strengthen the sporting and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Spain, which has already resulted in a visit to the Spanish ambassador to Nigeria.

During his visit to Spain, Elegbeleye was welcomed by top officials of the LaLiga club, led by President José María del Nido Carrasco. Carrasco expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, confident that it would expand the club's fanbase in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation.

Sevilla FC views this alliance as an opportunity to support NPFL clubs in their improvement efforts and encourage the development of young players. The partnership has also officially made the NPFL a member of Sevilla's 'World Club Alliance Program', a strategic initiative to enhance the club's global footprint.