The Nigeria Professional Football League has signed a collaboration agreement with La Liga giant Sevilla, according to the club.
As part of Sevilla FC’s internationalization initiative, the ‘World Club Alliance Program,’ the agreement with the NPFL focuses on sporting development and other areas, particularly in coach training and nurturing young Nigerian talent.
Gbenga Elegbeleye, President of the Nigeria Professional Football League, confirmed this development after meeting with Sevilla’s President José María del Nido Carrasco and visiting the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium:
“We are very happy to be able to work with the Nigerian Professional 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,” explained José María del Nido Carrasco.
“We have 20 clubs in the Nigerian Premier League and they all have their own 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. 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,” said Nigeria Professional Football League president Gbenga Elegbeleye.
The NPFL president also highlighted how Sevilla has garnered significant support from Nigerians following the announcement of Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke’s signing as a free agent:
“When they signed Chidera Ejuke from Royal Antwerp, Nigerians showed a lot of interest in Sevilla FC. All the football lovers in Nigeria are happy. They want to know more about Sevilla now, the fan base in Nigeria is growing every day.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, another Super Eagles star, Kelechi Iheanacho, is expected to sign with the Sevillistas Los after a deal has been agreed.
