Billionaire Banker Tony Elumelu Hints at Owning a Nigeria Premier League Club

• Tony Elumelu is opening to buying a Nigeria Professional Football League club
• The Billionaire banker wants it as part of his Corporate Social Responsibility
• Remo Stars and Sporting Lagos are the two clubs privately owned in the NPFL

Billionaire banker Tony Elumelu could be the next private owner of a Nigeria Professional Football League club after hinting at purchasing a local club in a social media post.

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) CEO admitted that background work had commenced already after having discussions with Nigeria’s Minister of sports, John Enoh, over the possibility of owning a local team.

According to Punch NG, Elumelu disclosed that purchasing a Nigerian club will serve as his Corporate Social Responsibility after talks of private ownership in Nigeria’s top league sparked a debate on X (formerly Twitter).

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“This is a nice idea. The Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh @OwanEnoh, is already thinking along this line and has approached me and we are already evaluating viability,” Elumelu wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Elumelu will look set to join Remo Stars owner, Kunle Soname, and Sporting Lagos boss, Shola Akinlade, as the only private owners of NPFL clubs in Nigeria’s top division.

The cons of owing Nigerian clubs

Meanwhile, the NPFL has struggled to attract significant investment and commercial interest, which has limited the resources available to local clubs, Bounce Radio reports.

The quality of infrastructure and facilities, player welfare, and the competitiveness of the leagues are also questionable due to the poor management and inadequate investment.

The league football system in Nigeria is also marred with inconsistent officiating, crowd trouble, and inadequate financial returns for clubs.

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Finidi back to NPFL duties

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Finidi George returned to local duty with Enyimba football club one week after leading the Super Eagles to friendly matches against Ghana and Mali.

Enyimba FC whitewashed visiting Kano Pillars in a highly entertaining Nigeria Professional Football League fixture on Wednesday evening, April 3.

The Peoples Elephants scored five un-replied goals to beat the rated Kano Pillars as they keep tabs on league leaders Enugu Rangers.