NFF moves to strengthen football ties with China

By Joe Apu

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has intensified efforts to establish stronger football relations with the Chinese Football Association following a meeting between the NFF leadership and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, in Abuja on Thursday.

NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said football remains a powerful instrument for fostering international relationships and disclosed that the federation is keen on building closer cooperation with Chinese football, particularly in women’s football where China has established itself as a global powerhouse.

Gusau revealed that discussions are already underway for Nigeria’s U17 girls team to participate in a mini-tournament in China in July, describing it as a potential foundation for a long-term partnership between both football bodies.

“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,” Gusau said.

He added that the NFF is looking forward to more regular international matches involving teams from both countries in Nigeria and China, while maintaining close communication with the Chinese Embassy.

In his remarks, Ambassador Yu Dunhai welcomed the proposed collaboration and noted that both countries already enjoy strong partnerships across several sectors.

The envoy described football as a unifying force capable of strengthening youth engagement and international friendship, while also acknowledging the growing presence of Nigerian players and coaches in the Chinese league.

“My first knowledge of Nigeria came through football – when your boys won the Olympic football gold in Atlanta in 1996,” Yu said.

He also recalled Nigeria’s silver medal feat at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and praised the country’s rich pedigree in youth football, especially the achievements of the Golden Eaglets at the FIFA U17 World Cup.

According to the ambassador, although China’s men’s national team is still developing, the country has recorded greater success in women’s football, which enjoys strong support among Chinese fans.

Present at the meeting were NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi; NFF Director of Media and Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire; Chinese Embassy First Secretary, Ni Zhichen; and NFF Director of Protocol, Barnabas Joro.