NPFL partners with Hungarian Universities to provide Education for Nigerian footballers

By Dayo Awoniyi

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced a partnership with Hungarian universities to offer scholarship opportunities for talented Nigerian footballers, allowing them to pursue higher education while continuing their football careers.

NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, emphasized that the collaboration is designed to prepare young players for life after football by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed once their playing days are over.

“We are targeting our youth, especially the younger generation of premier league players, to encourage them to combine education with football,” Elegbeleye said.

“Football careers can be short, with many players retiring by the age of 30 or even earlier. We need to think about what happens next.”

Elegbeleye stressed that the partnership is a crucial step toward ensuring the long-term success of Nigerian footballers beyond their athletic careers. “We want to equip these young players with skills and knowledge that will sustain them long after they retire from the game,” he added.

The partnership with Hungarian universities will allow footballers, particularly those with secondary school certificates or GCE qualifications, to study courses in fields such as AI, robotics engineering, and other modern disciplines that will help them transition into successful careers once they leave football.

Dr. Zoltán Lakner, representing the Hungarian universities, praised Nigeria’s sporting achievements and the potential of its youth.

“Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world, and its talent in sports is undeniable. We are impressed by the successes of Nigerian athletes in the Olympics and other global events,” Lakner said.

He added, “By combining education with football, these young players can make significant contributions to society, both during and after their careers.”

This partnership aims to open doors for Nigerian footballers to balance their professional careers with academic success, offering them a brighter future beyond the pitch.