NPFL seeks partnership with Spanish Clubs for U-17 Stars tour

By Ekemini Samuel

Posted on July 23, 2024

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is seeking partnerships with Spanish clubs to provide a platform for the league’s U-17 stars to gain exposure and develop their skills. Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye expressed the league’s interest in partnering with top Spanish youth clubs during a meeting with Spanish Ambassador Juan Ignacio Sell.

The proposed tour aims to expose NPFL Youth League players to top Spanish clubs, providing opportunities for training and test matches. Elegbeleye highlighted Spain’s renowned youth development programs, citing the success of players like Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, as well as the recent triumphs of the Spanish national team and Real Madrid.

The NPFL chief will visit Madrid and Seville to discuss integrating Nigerian youths into Spanish clubs. The long-term goal is to expand opportunities for NPFL players, enhance their skills, and increase their transfer market value. Elegbeleye noted that successful transfers could generate significant revenue for clubs, reducing their reliance on government support.

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Selected players from the 2024 NPFL Youth League have begun camping at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja, with more expected to join soon. The NPFL’s initiative demonstrates its commitment to developing young talent and providing pathways for success in European leagues.

By partnering with Spanish clubs, the NPFL aims to bridge the gap between Nigerian and European football, creating opportunities for growth and development. This collaboration has the potential to elevate the status of Nigerian football, providing a platform for talented youngsters to shine on the global stage.

Nigerian youth teams has been excelling even in the global stage. Just some days ago, two Nigerian teams showed the world what the are made of at the 2024 Gothia cup in Sweden. Beyond Limits FA and sporting Lagos took the game to the next level with the later clinching the title in the most coveted youth tournament in the world. The proposed tour will give youth teams wings to fly and bring more respect to the Nigerian league.