Anthony Onyemaechi Elumelu also known as Tony Elumelu for short, has declared his interest in buying one of the clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League, branding the potential move a “nice idea”.
The Nigerian billionaire made this known on Monday, March 8, 2024, through his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
His assertions came after a user of X suggested that top businessmen and huge corporations should acquire clubs in Nigeria to improve competition.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, X user LawyerDayo, wrote: “Can we get the President and Ministry of Sport to weigh in on the big corporations in Nigeria to buy at least one league club as part of CSR?
“Imagine Dangote buys Kano Pillars, BUA buys Kwara United, Elumelu acquires Rivers United, and Geregu takes over 3SC. Imagine the competition.”
Reacting to the suggestion, Elumelu, through his account, confirmed that the Sports Minister of Nigeria, Senator John Enoh had reached out to him on something along that path.
Tony Elumelu comments about buying one of the football clubs in Nigeria
The 61-year-old wrote: “This is a nice idea. The Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh @OwanEnoh is already thinking along this line and has approached me and we are already evaluating viability.”
The Nigeria Premier Football League is the highest echelon of club football in the Nigeria football pyramid, with several historic clubs battling for honors.
How many private clubs are in the Nigeria Premier Football League?
Currently, there are only 3 private clubs in the top division, namely; Sporting Lagos, owned by Shola Akinlade, Remo Stars, owned by Kunle Soname and Doma United, owned by Suleiman Umar.
These clubs have been a breath of fresh air to the league, with regard to their manner of approach, management structure, branding, and other essentials of a top football club.
There are other top private clubs outside the top flight, including; Ikorodu United and Inter Lagos amongst others.
The influx of private individuals into the Nigerian footballing system is expected to bring plenty of positives, however, it is important to note that the league is currently functioning due to the support of the government.
Seventeen out of the 20 clubs in the league are owned by the government, including gigantic clubs like Enyimba FC of Aba, owned by the Abia State Government, Kano Pillars, owned by the Kano State Government, Enugu Rangers, owned by the Enugu State Government, and Shooting Stars owned by the government of Oyo State.
These clubs have rich history but have at one point or the other battled through some difficulties, majorly financial issues.
Anyway, Enyimba have Arsenal and Nigeria legend Kanu Nwankwo as its chairman, while Ajax and Nigeria great Finidi George, manages the side.
The People’s Elephants aren’t doing badly administratively, but most of other clubs are used as a “tool of the government”.
Where is the Nigeria Premier Football League headed?
The league is gradually garnering steam, with several investments coming into the division, notably, broadcasting and streaming deals, alongside an investment platform partnering with the Nigeria Premier Football League.
It will be interesting to see where the league grows in the next decade, although many are optimistic that it is set for higher heights, particularly with several private hands like Tony Elumelu getting into the picture.
Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers lead the table with 51 points, after Matchday 29 of the 2023/24 season, level on points with Lobi Stars, who sit 2nd on the log.
However, the Flying Antelopes sit at the summit of the log, with a better goal difference of +14, to Eugene Agagbe’s side +8.
