How Africa News
Shola Akinlade, a Nigerian software engineer and co-founder of Paystack, has purchased Danish second division club Aarhus Fremad.
The 38-year-old purchased a 55% stake in the club, making him the team’s primary owner.
Akinlade bought the club with the intention of renovating it.
This comes after he created Sports Lagos in Lagos in 2022.
Sporting Lagos currently competes in Nigeria’s second division and, upon the takeover, will form a partnership with Aarhus Fremad.
Presently, the club are on top of the Danish second division with six points clear.
The club statement on Tuesday read, “We have looked at the date correctly, and yes – it is good enough Aarhus Fremad has closed an agreement today, which means a new owner in the club. We are very much looking forward to the collaboration and eagerly await what the future brings us.”
We’re delighted to announce that we now have a sister club, @Aarhus_Fremad 💙💛.
More about the partnership on our website 👇🏾https://t.co/jAayxjojmJ pic.twitter.com/3wsnFFIAf9
— Sporting Lagos (@SportingLagos) March 28, 2023
Akinlade stated that his interest in the Danish club is due to a “shared dedication to engaging and empowering local communities.”
He went on to say that Sporting Lagos and Fremand’s collaboration will “create an environment that supports education, growth, and opportunity for our athletes and the community at large.”
“I am truly honoured and excited to embark on this new chapter with Aarhus Fremad and further our shared commitment to engaging and empowering local communities,” the Paystack CEO said.
Hey, @SportingLagos 🤝
We are extremely happy to welcome you into our family, and we can't wait to get started on our cooperation 💛🖤💙
See you soon 👋 pic.twitter.com/GoOFcCGS33
— Aarhus Fremad (@Aarhus_Fremad) March 28, 2023
“By strengthening the relationship between Sporting Lagos and Aarhus Fremad, we aim to create an environment that fosters education, growth, and opportunity for our players and the community at large. I have the utmost confidence in Lars Kruse’s continued leadership as CEO, and together, we will strive to maintain the values and long-term goals that have made these clubs such a cherished part of their respective communities.”
Aarhus Fremad was founded in 1947. The club has been in a deficit of two million kroner about N89.6 million in the last two years.
The team sits top of the Danish third-tier division after 20 games played.
