Football enthusiasts in Nigeria have taken to social media to urge Aliko Dangote, President and CEO of the Dangote Group, to invest in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). This call comes after the billionaire expressed regret over not purchasing English Premier League giants Arsenal as reported by Grassroots Parrot.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua in New York, Dangote revealed that he had once considered buying Arsenal, but ultimately chose to focus on completing his massive Dangote Refinery project in Nigeria.
At the time, Arsenal was valued at around $2 billion, and Dangote admitted he now regrets not taking the opportunity when the club was more affordable.
READ ALSO: I Regret Not Buying Arsenal Because Of Refinery Project — Dangote
“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,” Dangote said.
The billionaire’s revelation has sparked a wave of reactions online, with Nigerian football fans urging him to redirect his resources to developing local football clubs and the NPFL. Social media users have pointed out the potential of Nigerian football and called for Dangote to support the sport at home.
One user, Owochejo Francis, commented, “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.”
READ ALSO: Lifting Petrol From Dangote Refinery ‘ll Moderate FX Pressure – CBN
Similarly, Arong Usang added, “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.”
Other fans proposed that Dangote should not only invest in a football team but also in stadium infrastructure. Adeniyi Adeleke suggested, “Sir, why not invest in the Nigerian football league by having your team, stadium, and much other stuff?”
Several commenters highlighted specific Nigerian clubs that could benefit from Dangote’s investment, with many mentioning Kano Pillars, a club from Dangote’s home state of Kano. Adeiza Valentine remarked, “Kano Pillars are there; it is not too late to buy a football club.”
READ ALSO: UNICEF Hands Over Cold Chain Equipment, Vaccines To Kano Govt
Fans also suggested that investing in local clubs could provide much-needed opportunities for talented Nigerian footballers. Nze Chimereze urged Dangote to look closer to home, stating, “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.”
The comparisons between Dangote and past Nigerian football investors, such as the late Chief Moshood Abiola, were also drawn by fans. Isa Oladele tweeted, “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.”
As Nigeria’s wealthiest individual, Dangote has long been associated with ambitions in the world of football, but these recent comments reflect growing sentiment that his wealth could make a significant difference to the domestic league.
READ ALSO: Tech Can’t Stop Electoral Fraud In Nigeria – Jonathan
Fans believe that with his financial backing, local teams could compete on the continental stage, further raising the profile of Nigerian football. Whether Dangote will heed the calls to invest locally remains to be seen.