A win-win arrangement - Sevilla expand global reach with historic NPFL partnership

NPFL chairman in Sevilla.

A win-win arrangement - Sevilla expand global reach with historic NPFL partnership

Izuchukwu Akawor • 14:27 - 29.07.2024

A delegation of the NPFL led by its chairman visited LaLiga club Sevilla to put pen to paper on the remarkable deal.

Sevilla FC has taken another significant step in its global expansion by partnering with the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) as part of its 'World Club Alliance Program'.

This collaboration aims to provide the NPFL with expert advice on sporting development and other key areas, with a particular emphasis on coach training and nurturing young Nigerian talent.

To mark this milestone, NPFL President Gbenga Elegbeleye visited Sevilla's iconic Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium, where he met with Sevilla FC President José María del Nido Carrasco.

The visit also included a tour of the club's training facilities at Ciudad Deportiva José Ramón Cisneros Palacios and initial strategy meetings to kickstart the alliance.

Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, the NPFL Board Chairman, with the Sevilla President.
Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, the NPFL Board Chairman, with the Sevilla President.

Sevilla and NPFL Deal

Del Nido Carrasco expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating on the club website; "We are very happy to be able to work with the Nigerian Professional League. Sevilla FC (who just signed Nigeria's Chidera Ejuke) is convinced that this alliance can help NPFL clubs to continue improving and encourage the development of youth players." 

He added that this collaboration represents a crucial step in Sevilla's internationalisation process and will boost the club's brand recognition in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.

Chidera Ejuke during his presentation as a new Sevilla and LALIGA player. (Photo Credit: Sevilla/X)

Elegbeleye, who recently spoke about the NPFL's ambitious plans to grow the league, highlighted the potential benefits for Nigerian football, saying, "With their development strategy and youth programme, Nigeria can benefit greatly."

He also outlined plans for top young Nigerian players to train with Sevilla each season, as well as coaching education opportunities for NPFL staff.

The NPFL president also noted the growing interest in Sevilla among Nigerian football fans, largely due to the recent signing of Nigerian player Chidera Ejuke.

"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," Elegbeleye remarked.

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