The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has stepped up efforts to build stronger links with the Chinese Football Association after a high-level meeting in Abuja involving NFF leadership and Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Yu Dunhai.
NFF seeks closer China ties after Abuja talks
The discussions took place at a time when the NFF is looking to broaden football cooperation with China. NFF president Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau met with the ambassador and discussed how the sport can serve as a bridge between the two countries.
Gusau said football is a powerful tool for deepening international relations, adding that the federation is particularly keen on expanding joint work with Chinese football, with a strong focus on the women’s game. He noted that China is among the leading nations globally in that area.
Proposed U17 girls mini-tournament
During the meeting, Gusau indicated that the federation has received an invitation linked to the Chinese FA. He said the proposal would see Nigeria’s U17 girls take part in a mini-tournament in China in July.
Gusau framed the development as an opening for a long-term partnership, saying the initiative could mark the start of a deeper working relationship between the football communities of Nigeria and China.
Regular match opportunities in both countries
Beyond the U17 event, Gusau said the NFF is exploring more consistent fixtures involving its teams. He added that matches could be staged in either China or Nigeria, depending on scheduling, while ensuring that the Chinese Embassy remains fully informed.
He also stated that the federation would continue to seek guidance and advice from the embassy as plans progress.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai praises football’s role in unity
Ambassador Yu Dunhai, who is in his second year serving in Nigeria, commended Gusau for the strong interest shown in Chinese football. He pointed out that Nigeria and China already cooperate across a range of sectors.
The ambassador underlined football’s value as a unifying force, stressing that the game is closely tied to young people and that youth represent the future.
- He noted that several Nigerian players and coaches are currently active in the Chinese League.
- He said he is pleased that Nigeria and China share the same Independence Day, which is October 1.
Football links spanning Olympics and youth tournaments
Yu Dunhai also spoke personally about how his understanding of Nigeria was shaped by football. He recalled that Nigeria’s men won Olympic gold in Atlanta in 1996, and later achieved Olympic silver in China 12 years afterward.
He further referenced Nigeria’s U17 achievements, describing the team as formidable and highlighting that they hold a record collection of FIFA U17 World Cup titles. He added that the first of those titles was won in China in 1985.
Concluding his remarks, the ambassador said football does not require a shared language. He acknowledged that China’s men’s side are not among the strongest, but said the country excels in the women’s game and that the sport is genuinely loved by Chinese fans.
Officials in attendance at the meeting
The gathering also included key representatives from both football administrations and the diplomatic mission.
- NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi
- NFF Director of Media & Communications Dr Ademola Olajire
- Chinese Embassy First Secretary Ni Zhichen
- NFF Director of Protocol Barnabas Joro
