The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved to strengthen sporting ties with the Chinese Football Association following high-level discussions in Abuja, with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai.
The meeting, held on Thursday in Abuja, centered on expanding football cooperation between both nations, with emphasis on youth and women’s football development.
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau described football as a powerful bridge for international relations, noting that Nigeria is keen to deepen collaboration with China, particularly in women’s football where China has strong global presence.
According to Gusau, discussions have already begun around a proposed mini-tournament in China involving Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team in July, a move he believes could mark the beginning of sustained sporting exchange between both countries.
He also expressed interest in arranging regular international friendlies, both in Nigeria and China, while stressing that the NFF would continue to work closely with the Chinese Embassy for coordination and support.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai welcomed the initiative, highlighting existing cooperation between both countries in other sectors and praising football as a unifying force driven by youth engagement.
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He noted the presence of Nigerian players and coaches in Chinese leagues and recalled historic football moments linking both nations, including Nigeria’s Olympic success in 1996 and youth-level achievements on Chinese soil.
Yu also acknowledged China’s stronger development in women’s football compared to its men’s game, expressing optimism that sports collaboration with Nigeria could further strengthen mutual ties.
Present at the meeting were NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, Director of Media & Communications, Ademola Olajire, Chinese Embassy First Secretary Ni Zhichen, and NFF Director of Protocol, Barnabas Joro.
