NFF Seeks Stronger Ties with Chinese Football Association

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken steps to forge closer ties with the Chinese Football Association (CFA) following a high-level meeting in Abuja between NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai.

Gusau emphasized football’s power as a tool for building relationships between nations and expressed eagerness to deepen cooperation, particularly in women’s football where China is recognized as a global force.

‘We believe this will be the beginning of a great working relationship with Chinese football,’ Gusau said, noting that Nigeria’s U17 boys have been invited to participate in a mini-tournament in China this July.

Ambassador Yu Dunhai praised the NFF’s interest in collaboration, highlighting football’s role in uniting youth and shaping the future.

He recalled Nigeria’s historic Olympic gold medal in Atlanta 1996 and silver in Beijing 2008, as well as the U17 team’s record success at FIFA World Cups, including their first triumph in China in 1985.

‘Football needs no language,’ the Ambassador remarked. ‘Although our men’s team is not that strong, we are better in the women’s game, and our people enjoy watching football. Nigeria and China already share strong ties in other sectors, and football can further strengthen this bond.’

The NFF is exploring opportunities for regular matches and exchange programs between Nigerian and Chinese teams, both in China and Nigeria. Gusau assured that the Federation will continue to work closely with the Chinese Embassy to ensure smooth coordination.