Hon. Austin Akpehe has said his appointment as China Ambassador of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Diaspora will significantly enhance the development of Nigerian football through international partnerships and investment.
Akpehe stated that his new position places him in a strategic role to connect Nigeria’s domestic leagues with key stakeholders in the Asian market, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and technical support.
Drawing on his experience in sports management and global trade, he expressed optimism that the local football scene would witness measurable growth in facilities and operations.
“Under my leadership, the Nigerian football landscape will experience a boost in infrastructure and technical development,” he said.
He explained that his role at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Demonstration Park would help facilitate collaborations aimed at supplying modern stadium technology and advanced training equipment to Nigerian clubs.
According to him, the initiative is designed to ensure that the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nigeria National League operate with facilities that align with global standards.
Akpehe added that beyond infrastructure, the leagues would benefit from improved financial inflow through sponsorship agreements with Chinese multinational corporations, noting that such partnerships would enhance player welfare, improve broadcast quality and strengthen the commercial value of Nigerian football.
He also assured that young Nigerian players would gain increased access to international opportunities through structured programmes, including his Football and Education initiative under Galaxy Sports Academy, which he said would open pathways for scouting, scholarships and professional placements abroad.
