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NFF Moves to Strengthen Football Partnership With China
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has stepped up efforts to build stronger football ties with the Chinese Football Association (CFA) following a high-level meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau described football as a powerful tool for promoting diplomatic and cultural relations between nations. He explained that the federation is eager to establish meaningful cooperation with Chinese football, particularly in women’s football where China has enjoyed considerable international success.
Gusau revealed that discussions are already ongoing for Nigeria’s U-17 girls’ national team to participate in a mini-tournament in China later this year, describing the initiative as a possible foundation for a long-term partnership.
“We have received an offer from individuals close to the Chinese Football Association for our U-17 girls to participate in a mini-tournament in China in July. We believe this could mark the beginning of a productive relationship with Chinese football,” Gusau said.
The NFF president added that the federation hopes to create more opportunities for friendly matches and football exchanges involving national teams from both countries in the future.
Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai welcomed the federation’s interest in collaboration and praised the growing relationship between Nigeria and China across different sectors.
He described football as a universal language capable of promoting unity, youth development and international friendship.
“My first knowledge of Nigeria came through football when Nigeria won the Olympic gold medal in Atlanta in 1996,” Yu said.
“Twelve years later, Nigeria won silver in Beijing. Your U-17 teams have also achieved remarkable success, including winning their first FIFA title in China in 1985.”
The ambassador also acknowledged the impact of Nigerian players and coaches currently involved in Chinese football while noting that the sport remains hugely popular in China, especially women’s football where the country has recorded notable achievements.
The meeting was attended by NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Director of Media and Communications Ademola Olajire, Chinese Embassy First Secretary Ni Zhichen and NFF Director of Protocol Barnabas Joro.
As part of the visit, Gusau presented a Nigeria national team jersey to Ambassador Yu, while the envoy gifted the NFF president a commemorative Chinese souvenir plate as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between both countries.
