The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to deepen football cooperation with the Chinese Football Association following a strategic meeting between its leadership and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, in Abuja yesterday.
The engagement is aimed at strengthening bilateral sporting relations, expanding youth development opportunities, and exploring exchange programmes between both countries.
NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, said football remains a powerful diplomatic tool capable of strengthening international relationships, adding that Nigeria is particularly interested in building closer ties with China’s women’s football structure, where the Asian nation has established global strength.
He noted that discussions have already begun around youth engagement, including possible tournament participation.
‘We have received an offer from certain persons who are close to the Chinese FA, and who want our U17 girls to participate in a mini-tournament in China in July. We believe that this will be the beginning of a great working relationship with Chinese football.
‘We are looking at more regular games among our teams. Certainly, matches can be organized both in China and Nigeria for both nations to participate, and at all times, the NFF will always intimate the Chinese Embassy and seek its guidance and advice.’
Gusau stressed that the partnership could open new pathways for player development, coaching exchanges, and broader football cooperation between both nations.
Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai, who is in the second year of his tenure in Nigeria, welcomed the proposal and praised the NFF for its interest in strengthening sporting ties with China.
He noted that football already serves as a bridge between both countries, highlighting existing Nigerian participation in the Chinese football ecosystem.
‘As you said, football is a very strong instrument for forging unity because it belongs to the youth, and the youth represent the future. Presently, there are many Nigerian players and coaches in the Chinese League, and I am always thrilled to realise that Nigeria and China share the same Independence Day – October 1.
‘Actually, my first knowledge of Nigeria came through football – when your boys won the Olympic football gold in Atlanta in 1996. Twelve years later, they won the silver medal right in China. Your U17 boys are also very strong and have the greatest collection of titles in the FIFA World Cup. Incidentally, their first title was in China in 1985.
‘Football needs no language. Although our men’s team is not that strong, we are better in the women’s game and our people do enjoy watching the game.’
The ambassador emphasized that football remains a universal language that strengthens cultural understanding and youth connection between nations.