NFF Eyes Stronger Women’s Football Partnership With China

NFF Eyes Stronger Women’s Football Partnership With China

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has intensified efforts to establish stronger football relations with the Chinese Football Association (CFA) following a high-level meeting between NFF officials and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Yu Dunhai, in Abuja on Thursday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking during the meeting, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau emphasized the role of football as a powerful instrument for strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between nations. He noted that the federation is keen to build meaningful cooperation with Chinese football, particularly in women’s football where China has maintained a strong global reputation.

Gusau disclosed that discussions are already underway for Nigeria’s U-17 girls’ team to participate in a mini-tournament in China later this year, describing the initiative as a potential starting point for a long-term football partnership between both countries.

“We have received an offer from individuals close to the Chinese Football Association for our U-17 girls to participate in a mini-tournament in China in July. We believe this could mark the beginning of a productive relationship with Chinese football,” Gusau said.

The NFF president added that the federation hopes to facilitate more regular exchanges and friendly matches involving national teams from both countries. According to him, future engagements could include tournaments and bilateral matches hosted in both Nigeria and China.

Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai welcomed the NFF’s interest in collaboration and highlighted the growing relationship between Nigeria and China across several sectors. He described football as a universal language capable of promoting unity, youth development, and international friendship.

The envoy also acknowledged the contribution of Nigerian players and coaches currently working in the Chinese football league system and reflected on Nigeria’s rich football history on the global stage.

“My first knowledge of Nigeria came through football when Nigeria won the Olympic gold medal in Atlanta in 1996,” Yu said. “Twelve years later, Nigeria won silver in Beijing. Your U-17 teams have also achieved remarkable success, including winning their first FIFA title in China in 1985.”

While admitting that China’s men’s national team is still developing competitively, the ambassador noted that the country has enjoyed greater success in women’s football and that football remains hugely popular among Chinese fans.

The meeting was attended by NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, NFF Director of Media and Communications Ademola Olajire, Chinese Embassy First Secretary Ni Zhichen, and NFF Director of Protocol Barnabas Joro.

During the visit, Gusau presented a Nigeria national team jersey to Ambassador Yu, while the envoy also presented the NFF president with a commemorative Chinese souvenir plate as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between both nations.