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 majority owner.
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.”
This comes after he founded Sports Lagos FC in Nigeria in 2022. Sporting Lagos currently competes in Nigeria’s second division and, upon the takeover, will form a partnership with Aarhus Fremad.
Akinlade expressed his satisfaction with the joint venture, which will empower local communities in Lagos. “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,” he said.
He went on to say that the partnership between Sporting Lagos and Aarhus Fremad will foster education, growth, and opportunity for players and the community as a whole.
The Paystack CEO also expressed confidence in Lars Kruse’s continued leadership as CEO, emphasizing their shared dedication to the clubs’ values and long-term aims.
Aarhus Fremad CEO Lars Kruse expressed his delight at the investment, emphasizing the clubs’ similar values and aim for utilizing football as a catalyst for positive change.
The club is currently leading the Danish second tier with six points.
