NPFL, Hunan Sign Historic Partnership
BY RAYMOND NWADUBA
The leadership of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have sealed a ground-breaking and historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with renowned global trade development company, Hunan Galaxy Limited, China.
The occasion, which heralds NPFL representation in China, was held on October 2, 2024, at the NPFL Head Office located at No. 67, Ebitu Ukiwe street, Jabi, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Austin Akpehe, CEO of Hunan Galaxy Global Trade Development Co., Ltd., China, in a speech presented on his behalf by their representative in Nigeria, Idowu James, lauded the signing of the agreement, saying that it’s not just the signing of a document but the beginning of a new chapter in the evolving partnership between Nigeria and China.
According to him, they are particularly proud that the partnership is launched at a time the relationship between Nigeria and China is stronger than ever.
“It is a great honour to be here today for the signing of this historic Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU). As we gather here, we are not just witnesses to the signing of a
document, but to the beginning of a new chapter in the evolving partnership between Nigeria
and China.
“We are particularly proud that this partnership is being launched at a time when the
relationship between our two countries is stronger than ever. This was recently reaffirmed by the visit of His Excellency President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China, where he participated in
discussions on trade and cooperation aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between our nations, he said.
Continuing further, Akpehe said, “today, we are laying the foundation for one of these pillars—sports, and more specifically,
Nigeria Football Made in China being jointly led by the NPFL and our company. This MOU represents a bold and visionary step to open a representative office in China , he added.
The Hunan boss went on to point some of the benefits of this landmark agreement saying thus: “this will be linking Nigerian football, particularly the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), with the
biggest economy in the world. Operating this representative office in China will unlock endless opportunities, bringing
Nigerian sports and culture far beyond our shores. It will create avenues not only for the exchange of talent and skills but also for global exposure.
Akpehe further stated that the NPFL has long been a symbol of the passion and potential within Nigerian football and now, with the new marketing strategy, the NPFL board, under the initiative of the NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and their
company, is bringing that passion to the heart of China’s thriving football atmosphere.
“China is an emerging football hub, and the NPFL will not only benefit from this partnership but will also contribute to the development of football in this great country. The football atmosphere in China awaits the NPFL, and with this MOU, we are ensuring that Not igerian football can shine on the international stage better. This partnership is more than just about sports—it’s about strengthening the China-Nigeria relationship. Football, as we all know, is a universal language. Through this collaboration, we
are taking meaningful steps toward fortifying the bonds between our two nations. We are using football as a platform to enhance diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, especially with the base of this project, Yuhua District, Changsha, Hunan.
“Hunan is the headquarters of the African prosperity in China and Yuhua District hosts the China –Africa Economic Cooperation
Promotion And Innovation Demonstration Park, where the NPFL will have its representation in
China. Together, we are creating a future where the NPFL can become a global brand, where young
talents can be showcased on the world stage, and where China-Nigeria relations can grow even stronger through the shared love of the game”, he concluded.
