LaLiga and Nigeria, an enduring link

Strong and highly fruitful ties exist between LaLiga and Nigeria, stretching back several decades.
A whole host of Nigerian footballers have made their mark in LaLiga, including two of the top goalkeepers in the country's history: Peter Rufai and Wilfred Agbonavbare. Rufai had stints at Hercules CF and RC Deportivo, whereas Agbonavbare achieved legendary status while twice gaining promotion with Rayo Vallecano, prior to playing for Ecija Balompie.

Full-back Nduka Ugbade was something of a trailblazer in making the leap to LaLiga, arriving in Spain in the late 1980s and having spells with CD Castellon and Real Aviles. Two defenders who followed in his footsteps were Michael Emenalo, who turned out for UE Lleida, and Samuel Okunowo, who won the title with FC Barcelona in 1998/99.

Where the middle of the park is concerned, the list must be headed by Mutiu Adepoju, who made over 300 appearances in Spanish football, representing the likes of Real Racing Club Santander, Real Sociedad and UD Salamanca. Meanwhile, two tricky Nigerian wingers graced LaLiga at around the same time, namely Abass Lawal, who finished his footballing education at Atletico Madrid, and former Barcelona player Emmanuel Amunike. Two more recent midfield examples are Nosa Igiebor, who spent a couple of years at Real Betis, and UD Almeria's Ramon Azeez.

Nigerian football has always been known for its skilful, powerful attackers and it is unsurprising, therefore, that they make up the biggest contingent of Super Eagles who have shone in Spain. The Uche brothers (Kalu and Ikechukwu), Finidi George, Christopher Ohen, Rashidi Yekini, Haruna Babangida, Obafemi Martins and Macauley Chrisantus are among the forwards from the West African country to have found the net in LaLiga. Granada CF in particular have benefited from the Nigerian nose for goal, having been fired to back-to-back promotions by Odion Ighalo and more recently enjoyed the youthful talents of Isaac Success.

Lastly, LaLiga and Nigeria also have important institutional links off the pitch. In April, LaLiga president Javier Tebas and the chairman of the League Management Company of Nigeria, Shehu Dikko, signed a collaboration agreement for the two organisations to work together on sporting, administrative, commercial and marketing matters, as well as to facilitate exchanges between clubs.