Roger Hampel
Sevilla FC has entered a collaborative agreement with the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). The partnership aims to enhance the development of football in Nigeria through a series of strategic initiatives focused on coach training and youth talent development.
A Milestone in Sevilla FC's Internationalization
As part of its ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint, Sevilla FC has welcomed the NPFL into its ‘World Club Alliance Program’. This agreement symbolizes a significant stride in Sevilla FC's mission to nurture and support football talent across the globe, particularly in Africa, where the sport continues to grow in popularity.
Key Figures Meet to Cement the Partnership Sevilla FC Nigerian
The president of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, visited Sevilla FC to formalize the agreement. During his visit, he met with José María del Nido Carrasco, the president of Sevilla FC, and toured the prestigious 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.
Benefits of the Collaboration
Enhancing Youth Development
The collaboration is set to provide significant benefits for the youth academies within the NPFL. With 20 clubs in the Nigerian Premier League, each boasting its own youth academy, the potential for development is substantial. Sevilla FC will offer expertise and training to help nurture young Nigerian talents, enabling them to reach their full potential.
“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 NPFL president Gbenga Elegbeleye.
Coaching and Training Initiatives
The agreement also includes a comprehensive training program for NPFL coaches. This initiative will help improve coaching standards in Nigeria, ensuring that young players receive top-quality training and guidance. The enhanced coaching standards are expected to have a long-term positive impact on the overall quality of football in the region.
Growing Fan Base and Brand Recognition
The collaboration is also set to bolster Sevilla FC's brand presence in Nigeria. The recent signing of Nigerian player Chidera Ejuke has already generated significant interest in Sevilla FC among Nigerian football fans.
“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,” said Elegbeleye.
A Promising Future
The visit concluded with the NPFL delegation, led by Elegbeleye, exploring the facilities at the Ciudad Deportiva José Ramón Cisneros Palacios. Initial working meetings were held to outline the first steps of this promising alliance, setting the stage for a fruitful collaboration.
Source: Sevilla FC Photo Credit: Sevilla FC
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