Nneka Ede, a Nigerian business entrepreneur, has become the
first African woman to own an European football club after purchasing Lusitano
Ginasio Clube, a Portuguese third division side, for an undisclosed amount.
According to a statement on Thursday, Ede has secured 100
percent ownership of the 108-years-old club, which last played in the
Portuguese top-flight division in the 1950’s.
The statement from the club read: “After months of
negotiations with different entities, an agreement has been reached with Mrs
Nneka Ede, a sports enthusiast and entrepreneur from Nigeria, a country filled
with people as passionate and fiery about football as us and which incidentally
share the same green and white in their flags, towards the transfer of the
ownership of the SAD to the latter that will help us in our mission to take
Lusitano to the next level.”
Speaking on the development, Ede said the football club
acquisition will help foster a greater relationship between both countries.
“I am excited about this opportunity and I hope that this
new chapter will deepen the already great sporting relation between Nigeria and
Portugal,” she said.
“And to continue with the rich history of Lusitano club and
provide a pathway for young talent to develop and shine through.”
The club, which has a long and rich history spanning over a
century, has Abraham Adelaja, a Nigerian forward, in its squad.
Lusitano FC reached their pinnacle in the 1950’s when the
club competed for 14 consecutive seasons in the Primeira Divisão (first division
or tier 1).
They still hold a position among the 30 clubs in Portugal
with more participation at tier 1 level in the country.
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