- Victor Anichebe’s Historic Move: Poised to Become First Nigerian Footballer to Own a European Club.
- Gateshead FC’s New Era: How Anichebe’s Leadership Could Transform the Club’s Future.
- Championing Diversity in Football: Anichebe’s Vision for Inclusive Club Ownership.
Victor Anichebe is on the brink of making history as he leads a group to buy National League team Gateshead FC, which could make him the first Nigerian footballer to own a club in Europe.
Gateshead FC’s Transition from Fan Ownership
Gateshead FC has been in the hands of its fans since 2019, after facing some tough financial times that resulted in their relegation.
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However, the club has made a strong comeback, earning its way back to the National League with the help of former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson.
Anichebe’s potential acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for the club, as they look to build on their recent achievements.
Anichebe’s Vision for Diverse Representation in Football Ownership
Anichebe has been quite outspoken about the need for more Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) representation in football’s executive ranks.
In a 2020 interview, he shared his dream of owning a team, saying, “I would like to go down that route of owning a team. I do have a group of people that are quite wealthy guys, and together we could go down that route.”
He emphasized how crucial it is to have a seat at the table to drive real change in the sport.
Speculations and Official Responses
Rumors about a potential takeover heated up when Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper claimed that someone outside of Gateshead’s official setup had tried to strike a deal with player Frank Nouble, which ultimately fell through.
The club has kept quiet about these developments, with a spokesperson simply stating, “No comment from our side at the minute.”
If the acquisition goes through, Anichebe will join the ranks of Nigerians owning European football clubs, like Kunle Soname, who owns Portugal’s C.D.
Feirense, and Nneka Ede, who took over Lusitano Ginásio Clube in Portugal.
This would not only be a personal achievement for Anichebe but also a landmark moment for representation and diversity in football club ownership.
The football community is now watching closely, eager to see if Anichebe’s vision will become a reality and pave the way for other former players looking to step into club ownership.
