Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote is in discussions with the French club Valenciennes to take over 100% of the club. But the richest man in Africa also has other projects in mind.
After his passing interest in English Premier League side, Arsenal, Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote may soon complete his desire to acquire a European football club.
The Dangote Group chairman is close to buying French Ligue 2
club, Valenciennes FC.
French media outlet, Entreprendre reports that Dangote is
ready to acquire 60% ownership of the club.
Founded in 1913, Valenciennes currently sit in the 15th spot
in Ligue 2.
The club plays its home matches at the recently built Stade
du Hainaut.
The club spent over 80 years playing under the name Union
Sportive de Valenciennes Anzin (USVA) before switching to its current name.
Valenciennes have played 40 seasons in Ligue 1 and 36
seasons in Ligue 2.
The club has never won the first division, but has won Ligue
2 on two occasions.
Valenciennes has also won the Championnat National and the
Championnat de France amateur in 2005 and 1998, respectively.
In 1951, the club made its first and only appearance in a
Coupe de France final.