Football fans have taken to social media to appeal to Aliko Dangote, president and CEO of the Dangote Group, to invest in the Nigerian Premier Football League.
This comes as the billionaire businessman regrets not buying English Premier League giants Arsenal, even though he would have preferred to own his own football club.
Speaking to Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua in New York, Dangote explained that he missed out on buying Arsenal when the club was valued at around $2 billion, instead putting resources into a refinery project in Nigeria.
The Kano-born announced his intention to buy the North London club following the refinery project in 2020, but put his ambitions of taking over the Emirates Stadium on hold.
When asked if he regretted not buying Arsenal when its value had fallen, he said: “Actually, I regret not buying it earlier, but you know, I needed the money to complete my project (Dangote Refinery) rather than buying Arsenal.
I would have bought the club for $2 billion but I would not have been able to complete the project.
So, either complete my project or buy Arsenal.
” The viral video sparked numerous responses from Nigerians, with football fans calling on Dangote to invest his fortune in developing the NPFL.
Owocheho Francis said: “Why can’t you set up a football club here in Nigeria to create more jobs and further promote the local league?
If you own a club here as the richest man in Africa, others will follow in your footsteps.
”
Aron Usan added: “Buy a Nigerian team and sponsor it.
The salaries of English players are enough to run the league without any issues.
So act like Ifeanyi Ubah.
.
.football is not just played in the English Premier League.
” Adeniyi Adeleke also suggested that Dangote should invest heavily to acquire a stadium.
“Sir, why don’t you invest in the Nigeria Football League by building your own team, stadium etc.
?
” Adeisa Valentine wrote: “It is not too late to buy a football club” “He should buy a club in the Nigerian League and turn it into a big club that can compete in Africa too” Johnbosco Natich suggested.
Nze Chimelese agreed, saying: “Talent boys in Nigeria and Africa also need the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world.
We can’t always follow the ready-made when we are blessed with raw potential that is yet to be discovered” Kati Firuz further added: “They are doing well.
All they need is funds and a little tweaking.
”
Isa Oladele hopes that the 67-year-old will follow in the footsteps of the late Moshood Abiola and set up clubs in the country.
“Why can’t he (Dangote) invest some of his money in local clubs here?
And call on local investors to also buy some clubs and improve the local league.
I miss the late MKO,” tweeted Aluko01, who added: “If you are so interested in football and love Nigeria then buy a club or set up a club in the NPFL.
That will give momentum to the league.
“
