News
VIE 08.07.2016
LaLiga is one of the most followed leagues in the world, and is also arguably the strongest in terms of quality of players and level of competition – at least at the top of the league. The league also scores top points for aesthetic football, with the likes of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Sevilla FC continuously wowing audiences across the world with eye-catching displays week in, week out.
It is in this regards that LaLiga holds similarities with Nigerian football, which has over the years prided itself on entertaining, technical and skilful football – a bit contrary to what is prevalent in many other African countries.
The yearning to play football “the way it should be played” has drawn many Nigerians to LaLiga over the years, with footballers and fans alike getting their football philosophy and inspiration from LaLiga-based players and teams.
Of course, one cannot overemphasise the influence of Nigerian players who currently play in Spain, as well as those who did in the past. From Gbenga Okunowo and Emmanuel Amunike who both turned out for Barcelona in the 90s to Odion Ighalo and Isaac Success who at different points in recent years have helped Granada survive relegation, Nigerians have had many players to watch out for in LaLiga.
However, following and enjoying football made in Spain hasn't come without its challenges. The language barrier had been a challenge in the past (though many staunch Spanish football followers managed in those years to literally look beyond that and enjoy the football) but now, social media is helping us to be and feel closer. Kudos must go to LaLiga for doing more to catch their non-Spanish speaking audiences by improving and increasing their English services.
Another obstacle LaLiga followers in Nigeria have faced over the years has been the timing of fixtures. Yet, from north to south, and east to west, fans have stayed up into the early hours to watch the likes of Ronaldinho, Zidane, Messi and Ronaldo produce magical moments on matchdays.
The lure of magical moments from some of the world's greatest players has kept many football fans in the West African country glued to their TV screens, following LaLiga despite some of the challenges.
The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) organisers, the League Management Company (LMC), will be hoping that the ongoing partnership between the two organisations – which also involves administrative, commercial and marketing collaboration – will, from a footballing point of view, help improve a philosophy which is shared by both countries. The NPFL All-Stars' tour of Spain in August is hopefully just a starting point.
© LALIGA - 2016