- A key partnership to accelerate NPFL’s growth
- Improvement of coaching excellence in the NPFL
- An opportunity to export global talent
Europa League giants, Sevilla FC, have announced a significant partnership with the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). This collaboration is set to create a new chapter in football relations between the Spanish club and Nigeria, promising to enhance the development of Nigerian football youngsters and coaches.
NPFL's “collaborative agreement”: A key partnership to build ties
The agreement between the NPFL and Sevilla underlies the Spanish side’s commitment to its “World Club Alliance Programme”. This agreement will certainly strengthen the 7-time Europa League winner's brand across the country and while the Nigerian Professional Football League also seek quality in its coaching department and an easier mode of exporting young talents, this alliance seem like a match made in heaven.
Through the 'World Club Alliance Program' provided by Sevilla FC's Innovation Center, the NPFL will gain guidance for enhancing some of its football operations, leveraging the expertise and knowledge of Sevilla FC. The 'World Club Alliance Program' format, has already been implemented with Bengaluru United FC of India, and Gangwon FC of South Korea.
The president of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, toured the club facilities with the Sevilla president, including a visit to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium and the club’s trophy room.
Coaching quality upgrade in the Nigerian League
One of the core aspects of this partnership is the commitment to improving the quality of coaching in Nigeria. Sevilla FC will provide valuable insights and guidance on modern coaching techniques, tactical approaches, and player management.
“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,” Gbenga Elegbeleye stated.
Development of Future Stars
The initiative is designed to develop the Nigerian league and utilize the talent pool across the country.
“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 expressed similar views, emphasizing the advantages of the partnership:
“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.”
No doubt this partnership will give the NPFL a deserving global visibility on the international stage.
Netizens react to alliance between Sevilla, NPFL
The recent announcement of the Sevilla FC and Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) collaboration has triggered a flurry of discussion across social media and football communities.
Below are some of the reactions by Nigerian fans to the announcement
“This is a welcome development for NPFL. I hope and believe our Clubs will make use of this opportunity to develop and improve their respective performances,” @SegunAdemola25 stated
“Brilliant move from them & a step forward in the right direction for the NPFL,” @Kepa_Dotmors asserted
“Wouldn't say I'm one bit surprised. The way they've been moving of late, signing Nigerian players/tweeting in pidgin and all what not, I knew something was up. Nice move all the same, that is, if the usual lifelong corruption with everything in Nigeria doesn't make a mess of it,” @Callmemichael10 commented
“Good development and they will benefit massively from it,” @HenryEke10 stated
“NFF is happy the way we are. We don’t want their advice,” @chummyblack12 opposed
Rumours to Reality: Confirmed player transfers in top 6 English Premier League clubs
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However, only a handful of clubs have made some decent moves so far, with Liverpool not making any major signing yet, having around 12 players leave so far. With 32 days remaining until the transfer window closes, fans are eagerly hoping that their teams can bring a surge of excitement to them by closing in on important deals and not just speculation.
