The Nigerian Premier Football League, NPFL, and Spanish Football Club, Sevilla FC, have entered a collaborative agreement that will see the La Liga side provide an array of football development and support to Nigerian players and coaches.
In a statement on Sevilla’s official website, the Europa League record holders noted that the agreement is part of its internationalisation process and the NPFL is the new member of their World Club Alliance Program.
According to the statement, based on 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.
President of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye visited the Spanish Club and met with Sevilla President, Jose Maria del Nido Carrasco.
“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,” Del Nido Carrasco said on the club website.
“It is a new decisive step in our internationalization 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.”
Meanwhile, Gbenga Elegbeleye said; “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 program, 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.”
🇳🇬🤝 Collaboration agreement signed with the Nigerian Professional League.
— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) July 29, 2024
Elegbeleye also highlighted the level of attention Sevilla is receiving in Nigeria following the signing of Chidera Ejuke who joined the Spanish side in the ongoing transfer window from Belgian side, Royal Antwerp.
He noted that although Sevilla is a well-known club in Nigeria based on their exploits in the La Liga and European club competition, the arrival of the Nigerian winger has increased their fanbase in the West African country.
