Nigerian business moguls are making waves internationally, with some venturing into the football industry by acquiring clubs in Europe. Data reveals that Nigerians possess ownership stakes in two football clubs in Portugal and one in the Danish league.
Leading the pack is Kunle Soname, the owner of CD Feirense, a Portuguese football club. Soname, who is also the founder of Bet9ja and owner of Remo Stars, made history in 2015 by becoming the first Nigerian to own a European football club. His acquisition of Feirense, a second-division team in Portugal, marked a significant milestone in Nigerian sports investment.
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CD Feirense, based at Estádio Marcolino de Castro with a capacity of about 5,500, serves as a testament to Soname’s entrepreneurial prowess. Additionally, he holds ownership of Remo Stars Football Club, a prominent team in the Nigeria Professional Football League headquartered in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Shola Akinlade, co-founder and CEO of Paystack, boasts ownership of the majority shares in Aarhus Fremad, a Danish club competing in the second tier of the Danish League. Akinlade’s acquisition of 55% shares in the 76-year-old club solidifies his position as a key player in the football ownership landscape. Furthermore, he is the founder of Sporting Lagos FC, a reputable football club based in Lagos and competing in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Nneka Ede, a prominent businesswoman, rounds out the list as the sole female Nigerian owner of a football club in Europe. She acquired Lusitano Ginásio Clube, MHC, also known as Lusitano de Évora, a Portuguese side competing in the Campeonato de Portugal, the fourth tier of Portuguese football. Ede’s acquisition of the 110-year-old club in June 2020 highlights her dedication to sports investment and gender diversity in football ownership.
These Nigerian entrepreneurs’ foray into European football underscores the growing interest and investment potential in the sports industry. As they continue to make strides abroad, their contributions serve as a testament to Nigeria’s rich talent and entrepreneurial spirit.
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