Nigerian tycoons are steadily making significant inroads into the European football scene, investing in and outrightly acquiring clubs. Nigerians, known for their fervent passion for sports, particularly football, have found lucrative returns in sporting ventures within Nigeria.
Kunle Soname, a Nigerian businessman and entrepreneur, broke new ground in 2015 by becoming the first Nigerian to purchase a European football team. He acquired CD Feirense, a second-division Portuguese club, as the primary shareholder through his firm, Tavistock Global Resource Limited. In addition to CD Feirense, Soname is also the owner and chairman of Remo Stars Football team in Nigeria.
Shola Akinlade, co-founder and CEO of Paystack, took a majority stake (55%) in the Danish club Aarhus Fremad, which competes in the second level of the Danish League. Akinlade is also the founder of Sporting Lagos FC, a Nigerian football team based in Lagos.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
Dozy Mmobuosi, a Nigerian internet entrepreneur and billionaire, made a significant move by acquiring Sheffield United, an English football club, for £115 million. Sheffield United currently competes in the second division of the English Championship, with aspirations for promotion to the Premier League.
Nneka Ede, a businesswoman, stands out as the sole woman on the list, owning the Portuguese club Lusitano Ginásio Clube, MHC, also known as Lusitano de Évora. The club, situated in Évora, competes in the Campeonato de Portugal, the fourth tier of the Portuguese football system.
These Nigerian billionaires not only bring diversity to European football ownership but also contribute to the growth and development of the sport on a global scale. Their investments showcase the expanding influence of Nigerian entrepreneurs in the international sports arena.