Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, recently expressed his regret for not seizing the opportunity to buy Premier League club Arsenal when he had the chance. In an interview with Bloomberg, the billionaire revealed that he could have acquired the London Gunners for $2 billion. However, he prioritized completing his refinery project, a decision he now reflects on with mixed feelings.
A Missed Opportunity
“I regret I did not buy Arsenal before; I would have bought it for $2 billion,” Dangote stated candidly. He explained that at the time, his financial resources were needed to complete his refinery, a significant undertaking that required his full attention and investment. “If I had bought the club, I would not have been able to finish my refinery. The best decision was to complete the refinery,” he added, reaffirming his commitment to his business ventures. Despite this regret, Dangote remains a devoted fan of Arsenal, watching their games whenever they play.
A Call to Invest in Nigerian Football
In light of Dangote’s expressed interest in football, football enthusiast David Mtu has urged the billionaire to consider investing in the Nigerian football scene. Mtu highlighted the rich history of football sponsorship among wealthy Nigerians, citing figures like the late Chief MKO Abiola and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who played crucial roles in developing the sport by funding prominent clubs.
“It is a good thing that Aliko Dangote is interested in football sponsorship. This is not coming as a surprise because he is a known fan of Arsenal football club,” Mtu remarked. However, he emphasized the importance of investing in local talent, stating, “Since charity begins at home, it would not be bad for him to first invest in one of the clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).”
Reviving Nigerian Football Clubs
Mtu reminisced about the past glory of Nigerian football, recalling successful clubs like Abiola Babes, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Ranchers Bees, Udoji United, and Gabros FC, which thrived under the sponsorship of affluent individuals. He believes that with Dangote’s influence and resources, similar success could be replicated in the current football landscape.
Furthermore, Mtu called on the organizers of the NPFL to enhance the league’s attractiveness to potential investors. “We need to make the league appealing enough for business-oriented Nigerians like Dangote to see value in investing,” he stressed.
Conclusion: Bridging Global Passion with Local Investment
Dangote’s candid admission about his missed opportunity with Arsenal sheds light on the broader theme of investment in football, not just internationally but also locally. As Nigeria seeks to revive its football scene, the involvement of influential figures like Dangote could significantly impact the development of the sport in the country. By fostering a robust football culture at home, there is potential not only for individual clubs to flourish but also for the national team to gain strength, ultimately uniting fans and communities through the beautiful game.
