Aliko Dangote: Africa’s richest man is reportedly close to purchasing a French football club

The Nigerian businessman had previously been mentioned as a potential buyer for Arsenal FC, but the transaction fell through for him

The richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote, is reportedly close to sealing a deal to purchase a French team, Valenciennes FC.

Soccernet.ng understands that the 86th richest man in the world, who alone controls up to 25% of all African billionaires' fortune, would reportedly conclude a transaction of 10 million euros to acquire the French Ligue 2 team.

The French media outlet, Entreprendre, claimed that the Nigerian, who serves as CEO of the Dangote Group, the biggest industrial conglomerate in West Africa, would acquire the club's 60% ownership.

The club, which was established in 1913, has a lengthy history of winning the Ligue 2, the Championnat National, and the Championnat de France amateur.

However, the French side is now ranked 15th in Ligue 2, which suggests that they are not doing very well in the 2022–23 season campaign. Nevertheless, an acquisition made by the wealthiest black man might propel them to the next level by signing the best legs and revitalising the team as a whole.

Similar to how Shola Akinlade, CEO of Paystack, purchased the Danish club Aarhus Fremad, as reported by Lolade Adewuyi, managing editor of Soccernet.ng. Lolade has, however, employed his social media handle to disclose the potential Dangote acquisition.

French media is reporting that Aliko Dangote is nearing a deal to purchase Ligue 2 team Valenciennes for €10m. He will take over the 60% stake of the Eddy Zdziech family. The Nigerian billionaire wants to own the club 100% like he does all his businesses.
Via @Entreprendre

— Lolade Adewuyi (@Jololade) April 24, 2023

The Nigerian businessman Dangote tried to buy a controlling share in Arsenal in 2010, but his bid was unsuccessful. However, if the media claims are genuine, Dangote will ultimately own a football team.

Recall that Kunle Soname purchased Portuguese second-division team Clube Desportivo Feirense to become the first Nigerian to own a prominent European football club.

Dozy Mmobuosi, another billionaire from Nigeria in the technology sector, is on the verge of acquiring English Football League team Sheffield United for £90 million.

These efforts imply that several Nigerian billionaires, like Dangote, Akinlade, and Mmobuosi, are moving closer to focusing their attention on investing in sports and putting Africa on the map of the globe.

Akinlade said that his goal in owning a part share of Aarhus Fremad was to provide possibilities for African talents, and this would apply to Nigerian business tycoons given the amount of potential in Africa.