Nigeria Football Federation has intensified efforts to establish a stronger working relationship with the Chinese Football Association following a high-level meeting between NFF officials and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja on Thursday.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau said football remains a powerful platform for strengthening international relationships and expressed the federation’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Chinese football, particularly in women’s football where China has established itself as a global force.

“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.

“We are looking at more regular games among our teams. Certainly, matches can be organised both in China and Nigeria for both nations to participate, and at all times, the NFF will always intimate the Chinese Embassy and seek its guidance and advice.”

Ambassador Yu Dunhai welcomed the move and highlighted the growing cooperation between both countries across different sectors, describing football as a strong instrument for unity and youth development.

“As you said, football is a very strong instrument for forging unity because it belongs to the youth, and the youth represent the future,” he said.

“Presently, there are many Nigerian players and coaches in the Chinese League, and I am always thrilled to realise that Nigeria and China share the same Independence Day – October 1.”

The ambassador also reflected on Nigeria’s football history and achievements on the global stage.

“Actually, my first knowledge of Nigeria came through football — when your boys won the Olympic football gold in Atlanta in 1996. Twelve years later, they won the silver medal right in China.

“Your U17 boys are also very strong and have the greatest collection of titles in the FIFA World Cup. Incidentally, their first title was in China in 1985.”

Yu added that football transcends language barriers and noted China’s strength in women’s football.

“Football needs no language. Although our men’s team is not that strong, we are better in the women’s game and our people do enjoy watching the game,” he stated.

Also present at the meeting were Mohammed Sanusi, Ademola Olajire, Chinese Embassy First Secretary Ni Zhichen and NFF Director of Protocol Barnabas Joro.