By Lucas Xavier
As Nigerians,
passionate about everything we do, we like to associate too much with success,
and riding a wave of popularity. This might agonizingly be antithetical to the
success we struggle to associate with or at least not sustainable.
It’s another African Nations Cup match for Nigeria
and the news flows with frenzy. Headline, “Nigerian Billionaires Dangote and
Otedola promises Super Eagles $75,000 for each goal…” I join the happy brigade
in smarting at an anticipated success of our dear Eagles but…
I remember. Dangote tried
to buy Arsenal for over $3 bn. While as a private citizen that is a business
worthy investment I also know he’s an Arsenal fan so emotions are also
involved.
I reflect and say why not also invest in the
decaying Nigerian league either through effective sponsorship or purchasing one
of the franchises and working his favorite magic?!
I know I haven’t seen
a proper valuation for any Nigerian football club but investing a 10th of what
he bid for Arsenal FC can build a footballing dynasty in the continent.
Helping build the
national side and improving the league by a mile.
There are many
downsides to this argument as proper footballing structures are hardly in place
but as a football lover and a patriot, instead of giving handouts that give
little by way of sustainable development in the sector, full involvement seems
to me a better way in the overarching picture.
I will like to state
that this present show of support from the billionaires is by no way lost but
speaking as a patriot, towing the line of Ifeanyi Ubah especially like in a
major city of Lagos lacking top club football would be more endearing, enduring
and ensuring future success and bringing commercial value to a country lacking
in leadership.
#NFF #Dangote #Otedola
#Football #AFCON #SuperEagles
Xavier contributed
this piece from Lagos
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