A view of LaLiga from Nigeria

Never mind the kilometres between one and the other, nor the cultural differences. When it comes to football, the distance between Spain and Nigeria fades away. In the words of Isah Pariya, who runs an FC Barcelona supporters' club in the West African country, "LaLiga is followed in Nigeria by every Barcelona and Real Madrid fan, and many other derby matches are watched every week." LaLiga.es caught up with him ahead of the tour to Spain by a Nigerian All-Star team who will play Valencia CF, and three other LaLiga clubs in the Trofeo Ramon de Carranza, with LaLiga World in August.

"LaLiga is one of the most watched football leagues in Nigeria. Barcelona and Real Madrid are the clubs who attract the most interest or support," explained Isah. The attractive brand of football played in LaLiga captivates fans all over the planet and is one of its hallmarks, alongside the world-class individuals on show. On the latter front, Isah namechecked "Andres Iniesta, the legendary Xavi, Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez, Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos" as especially iconic figures, particularly among Barça and Madrid supporters, before adding that "others like Antoine Griezmann, Sofiane Feghouli and Vitolo" are also popular.

In August, an All-Star squad drawn from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will face Valencia. This will be an occasion to savour for both the players involved and supporters back in the West African country. "As a football fan I'm very excited and honoured, because it will help in our quest to change the face of football in Nigeria," said Isah, noting that the fixture will be a "test" that will "improve the standard of Nigerian football."

This friendly match is a further demonstration of LaLiga's support for the Nigerian league. Indeed, back in April, LaLiga president Javier Tebas signed a collaboration agreement with the Nigerian league's governing body, the League Management Company of Nigeria (LMC). On this subject, Isah observed that, "it means a lot to us. LaLiga is one of the biggest and most watched football competitions in the globe, it will help Nigerian football to learn from them and make the league better." 

Reflecting on Super Eagles who have lit up LaLiga, Isah proudly gushed that they will "be remembered as Nigerian legends" and cited Finidi George and Mutiu Adepoju as examples. These words only serve to illustrate the admiration and respect for Spanish football in Nigeria, sentiments that – as clearly shown over the years – are certainly mutual.