NPFL, Sevilla FC sign agreement on coach training, talent development

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) has signed a “collaborative agreement” with Sevilla FC, the La Liga club, to aid football development in the country.

In a statement on Monday, the Spanish club said NPFL had been added to its “World Club Alliance Program”.

Sevilla said the club would “provide advice in sporting and other areas of development, with a special focus on coach training and developing the talent of young Nigerian players”.

Speaking on the partnership, José María del Nido Carrasco, Sevilla president, said the deal would help the club grow its brand in Africa.

“We are very happy to be able to work with the Nigerian Professional League. Sevilla FC is convinced that this alliance can help NPFL clubs to continue improving and encourage the development of youth players. It is a new decisive step in our internationalisation process and will help our brand to continue to grow in Africa, in a country like Nigeria from which we are receiving a lot of support after the signing of Chidera Ejuke,” Carrasco said.

On his part, Gbenga Elegbeleye, NPFL chairman, described the partnership as “a win-win arrangement for everyone in the NPFL”.

He added that “the best players in the Nigeria Youth League will be able to come here every season to train”.

“We have 20 clubs in the Nigerian Premier League, and they all have their own youth academies. I know the history and track record of Sevilla FC. This is a very good club which has won trophies in Spain and Europe for many years,” Elegbeleye said.

“I feel that, with their development strategy and their youth development programme, Nigeria can benefit. We believe that the best players in the Nigeria Youth League will be able to come here every season to train. With your help and training, when they return, they can become better players. We also have a training agreement for our coaches that will be positive for us. It is a win-win arrangement for everyone in the NPFL.”

In June, Sevilla signed Chidera Ejuke, a Super Eagles winger, on a free transfer after his contract with Russia’s CSKA Moscow expired.

There are reports that Kelechi Iheanacho is also on the club’s radar.