Former Nigerian Governor and current senator overtake Dangote, set to buy Arsenal

Former governor of Abia state Orji Uzor Kalu has declared his interest in buying a staggering 35 percent stake at Premier League club Arsenal.

The current senator representing Abia north in the Nigerian National Assembly stated that his target is to ensure the Gunners win the elusive Champions League as well as the Premier League back-to-back.

Recall that during his time as the governor of Abia between 1999 and 2007, local club Enyimba of Aba remained the kings of Nigerian football winning the Nigeria Professional Football League five times - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Enymba also became the first Nigerian side to win the CAF Champions League during that time winning it in 2003 and 2004. The Peoples Elephants also won the CAF Super Cup in 2004 and 2005.

And citing the achievements, Uzor Kalu stated that the successes with the Nigerian football club could be replicated with English club Arsenal.



Orji Uzor Kalu set to launch bid for shares at Arsenal. Photo: Interview Magazine Source: UGC

He said:

“Our success with Enyimba football club between 2000-2007 has continuously increased my passion for football. As the pillar of sports in Africa , I am considering an investment in football and I will buy 35 percent stake in Arsenal FC.

“Our target is to lift the Champions League and Premier League back to back as we did with Enyimba.”

Meanwhile, the senator is not the first Nigerian to have declared interest in the purchase of Arsenal.

Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, earlier hinted at possible takeover of the Premier League giants with the Nigerian business mogul declaring the takeover could happen in 2020 or 2021.

Dangote, a die-hard Arsenal fan, has been previously linked with the purchase of the club from Stan Kroenke — a deal that could gulp over $4 billion from his pocket.

David Rubenste in show in America, the 62-year-old business mogul gave Nigerian Arsenal fans a sigh of relief after re-establishing interest in taking over the purchase of the North London side.

The Gunners came into the match on the backdrop of their 1-0 encouraging win over Man United at Old Trafford in the Premier League. However, they failed to build on the win against a resurgent Villa side who completely outplayed them.