Reports suggest that Aliko Dangote, the 86th richest man in the world and CEO of Dangote Group, is set to purchase French Ligue 2 team, Valenciennes FC. According to French media outlet, Entreprendre, Dangote will acquire 60% ownership of the club for €10m, which could help revitalize the team’s fortunes.
Valenciennes FC was established in 1913 and has a rich history of winning various titles. However, the club is currently struggling, ranked 15th in Ligue 2 in the 2022-23 season campaign. Dangote’s acquisition could propel the team to the next level by signing the best players and revitalizing the team as a whole.
The potential acquisition of Valenciennes FC by Dangote is part of a trend of Nigerian billionaires investing in sports. Shola Akinlade, CEO of Paystack, recently purchased Danish club Aarhus Fremad, while Kunle Soname became the first Nigerian to own a prominent European football club by purchasing Portuguese second-division team Clube Desportivo Feirense.
Dangote himself attempted to buy a controlling share in Arsenal in 2010, but was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the potential acquisition of Valenciennes FC could finally see him become the owner of a football team. Other Nigerian billionaires, such as Dozy Mmobuosi, are also making efforts to invest in sports, with Mmobuosi currently on the verge of acquiring English Football League team Sheffield United for £90 million.
According to Lolade Adewuyi, managing editor of Soccernet.ng, Akinlade’s goal in owning a part share of Aarhus Fremad was to provide opportunities for African talents, and this could also apply to Nigerian business tycoons given the amount of potential in Africa.
If the media claims are genuine, Dangote’s purchase of Valenciennes FC could mark a new era for the struggling French Ligue 2 team. It could also be a significant step in the trend of Nigerian billionaires investing in sports and putting Africa on the map of the global sporting scene.