Speaking from Italy, Prince Akhigbe described the breakthrough as the result of a deliberate focus on serving Nigerian football.
“This massive investment by a foreign entity should serve as a wake-up call to renowned organisations like Dangote, BUA, and the oil and gas giants. Nigeria is blessed with enormous capital, but they are not investing in sport because they do not see transparency,” he said.
Akhigbe explained that the turning point came after thorough research into the profile of NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. Through his role as WFS Ambassador, he extended an invitation for Elegbeleye to speak on a panel at the World Football Summit in Madrid.
“The moment he stepped on that stage, investors took notice,” Akhigbe said. “They saw leadership, credibility, and someone they could trust. That’s what capital chases.”
Working with partners from the platform, Akhigbe facilitated the title sponsorship, calling it proof of Nigerian football’s commercial potential.
“I’m very proud of this. It shows what’s possible when we put the right people in the right rooms. WFS event tickets are not an expense, they are an investment. That’s how I met the partners and the credibility that led to this.”
The World Football Summit marks its 10th anniversary in Madrid on 15–16 September 2026.
Akhigbe framed the deal within a wider vision for Nigerian sport, arguing that the country’s youthful population of over 220 million, strong domestic market and passionate diaspora create significant commercial opportunity.
“Sport is the new oil well in Nigeria,” he stated. “If we professionalise the structures, enforce transparency, and build investor confidence, we will unlock an industry that can create jobs, attract foreign capital, and sustain itself without waiting on government funding.”