Sevilla FC strengthens ties with Nigeria, partners with NPFL

Seven-time Europa League champions Sevilla FC continue to strengthen their ties with Nigeria through a new collaboration with the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Soccernet.ng reports.

In a recent statement from the La Liga side, it was announced that the president of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, met with Sevilla FC president José María del Nido Carrasco to finalize the agreement on their collaboration.

As part of the agreement, Elegbeleye toured the club facilities with the Sevilla president, including a visit to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium and the club’s trophy room, showcasing their illustrious history.

This collaboration follows the recent signing of Super Eagles forward Ejuke Chidera from Russian club CSKA Moscow, who will be with Sevilla until 2027.

The partnership aims to develop the Nigerian league and tap into its talent pool, further strengthening the bond between Spain and Nigeria.

“We are very happy to be able to work with the Nigerian Professional League. Sevilla FC is convinced that with this alliance, it can help NPFL clubs to continue improving and encourage the development of youth players. 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,” explained José María del Nido Carrasco.

Gbenga Elegbeleye echoed these sentiments, highlighting the benefits of the collaboration: “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.”

Elegbeleye also noted the increasing attention Sevilla is receiving in Nigeria following the signing of the former Gombe United forward.

“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.”

Nigerian football fans are eagerly anticipating the next steps in this collaboration, looking forward to seeing more players and coaches benefit from this development.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories.

Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

With a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master’s Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.