Invest in NPFL, Not Arsenal

Football enthusiasts have taken to social media to urge the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, to invest in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

This is against the backdrop of the billionaire business mogul regretting not buying the English Premier League giants, Arsenal, when his interest lies in owning a football club.

In an interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua in New York, Dangote explained that he missed out on buying Arsenal when the club were valued at around $2bn but instead committed his resources to the refinery project in Nigeria.

The Kano-born had in 2020 made known his intention to buy the North London club after his refinery project but has now shelved his ambition to take over at Emirates Stadium.

When asked if he regretted not buying when Arsenal’s value was lower, he said, “Actually, I regret not buying it before, but you know my money was more needed in completing my project (Dangote Refinery) than buying Arsenal. I would have bought the club for $2bn, but you know I wouldn’t have been able to finish my project. So, it was either I finish my project or go and buy Arsenal.”

The viral video, which has attracted a litany of reactions from Nigerians, has seen football enthusiasts call on Dangote to consider investing his wealth in the development of the NPFL.

“Why can’t you establish a football club here in Nigeria to help create more job opportunities and further promote the local league? As the richest man in Africa, if you own a club here, other people will follow in your footsteps,” Owochejo Francis said.

“Buy our Nigerian teams and sponsor them. The salaries of English players are enough to run our league with ease. So, act like Ifeanyi Ubah… It’s not only the English Premier League that plays football,” Arong Usang added.

“Sir, why not invest in the Nigerian football league by having your team, stadium, and much other stuff?” Adeniyi Adeleke suggested.

“Kano Pillars are there; it’s not too late to buy a football club,” Adeiza Valentine simply wrote.

“He should buy one club in the Nigerian league and transform it into a bigger club that can compete in Africa,” Johnbosco Nazic suggested.

“Spend that same money on Kano Pillars, Rangers of Enugu, and Kaduna Warriors. Those talented guys in Nigeria and Africa need opportunities to showcase their talent to the world also. You guys can’t keep running to the readymade, whereas you are blessed with more raw potential yet to explore,” Nze Chimereze said.

“You are here looking for a foreign team to buy while local teams are doing well; just that they need financing and a little touch of polishing are here,” Kachi Phils added.

“Why can’t he (Dangote) invest part of the money in our local club here? And challenge the local investors also to buy some of the clubs and improve our local league. I miss the late MKO,” Isa Oladele wants.

“If you are so interested in football and you love Nigeria, please buy a club or have a club in the NPFL; it will boost the league,” Aluko01 tweeted.

What are your thoughts, Nigerians? Do you think Dangote’s investment in the NPFL would make a significant difference? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!

Source: PunchNG