Africa’s Richest Man, Dangote Close To Buying French Club

Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, is on the verge of purchasing French Ligue 2 team Valenciennes.

The business tycoon and CEO of the Dangote Group is reportedly prepared to purchase 60% of the club, according to the French news source Entreprendre.

The Dangote Group is Africa's biggest industrial company.

The Nigerian investor previously tried to purchase Arsenal of the Premier League, but he was unsuccessful.

The newly constructed Stade du Hainaut is where Valenciennes plays its home matches. The team was founded in 1913.

The team has competed in 40 Ligue 1 seasons and 36 Ligue 2 seasons.

Although they have twice won Ligue 2, the Athenians have never won the Ligue 1 championship.

Additionally, Valenciennes once competed in the French Cup final.

They are currently sitting in the 15th position in the Ligue 2 table.

What You Should Know About Valenciennes

• Valenciennes Football Club was founded in 1913 by a group of young men known by their surnames Colson, Joly, and Bouly.
• Due to the club having limited resources and its formation coinciding with the onset of World War I, Valenciennes sought a consolidation between local clubs in the city.
• The merger was completed in 1916 with the club changing its name to Union Sportive de Valenciennes Anzin (USVA) in the process.
• Following the merger, the new club spent the ensuing 15 years playing in the District de l'Escaut Championship.
• In 1930, USVA won its first major title by claiming the Division d'Honneur Nord title.
• The club's success continued in the following years, with USVA winning the Coupe de France in 1951 and the Ligue 2 title in 1956.
• In 1962, USVA made its debut in the French Division 1, the top tier of French football.
• The club spent the next 13 seasons in the top flight, with its best finish coming in 1972 when it finished third.
• In 1975, USVA was relegated to Ligue 2.
• The club has since spent the majority of its time in the second tier of French football, with occasional stints in the top flight.
• In 2013, USVA celebrated its 100th anniversary.
• The club's current president is Eddy Zdziech.