By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has committed to collaborating with key stakeholders to develop and commercialize football in Nigeria. The pledge was made by NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Mele Kyari, during a meeting with a delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), the International Management Group (IMG), and AfroSport Network at the NNPC Towers on Thursday.
Kyari expressed the company’s readiness to play a central role in rejuvenating Nigerian football, stating, “NNPC will be a prime partner in the journey to bring back value to our football, reshape it, and bring happiness to our people.” He highlighted the potential of football as a powerful tool for economic growth, benefiting both the Nigerian economy and NNPC Ltd.
Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC and Minister of Sports, who led the delegation, emphasized the significant economic impact of football in top footballing nations, underscoring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for immediate action to revitalize the sport. Dikko also pointed out that football could drive the growth of related industries along its value chain.
The minister revealed that IMG, renowned for promoting the English Premier League, has been invited as a technical partner to help leverage their expertise in football development.
It is worth noting that NNPC once had a football club, NNPC FC Warri, which participated in the Nigeria National League until it was disbanded in 1989.
