Nigeria attract pass ₦50 billion for private-sector sports investment for 2025, as investors respond to di growing demand for African sport and entertainment. Helios Investment Partners dey among di ones wey dey target di sector through Helios Sports & Entertainment Group.
HSEG dey develop businesses across sports intellectual property, talent, entertainment, venues and arenas. Dia portfolio include PFL Africa, NBA Africa, Zaria Group and The Malachite Group.
PFL Africa start for 2024 as joint venture with di Professional Fighters League. Di platform wan develop African mixed martial arts talent, expand local audiences and give opportunities to compete internationally.
For June 2026, PFL Africa hold dia first Nigerian event for di Eko Convention Centre for Lagos. Eight Nigerian fighters show face, including Wasi Adeshina and Patrick Ocheme, for one event wey pipo describe as di biggest mixed martial arts event for West African history.
Helios co-founder Tope Lawani talk say di group dey combine capital with industry expertise across Africa sports and creative industries, from supporting start-ups to providing growth capital for established businesses. Africa sports economy dey projected to reach $20 billion by 2035.
