FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged the world football governing body’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen football development, governance and institutional structures in the country.
Infantino made the commitment after receiving a high-level Nigerian delegation comprising officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, with discussions focusing on the future development of football in Nigeria and ways FIFA could deepen its collaboration with the country.
Reacting to the meeting, Infantino said he was pleased to engage the Nigerian delegation at the Home of FIFA, describing the discussions as important to aligning both sides on a shared vision for the development of football in Nigeria.
He said the meeting covered institutional, governance and developmental issues, as well as existing areas of collaboration between FIFA and Nigeria.
According to the FIFA president, both sides also examined ways to establish stronger structures and clearer pathways capable of creating more opportunities for young Nigerian footballers.
Infantino said FIFA was prepared to explore additional areas where the organisation could support the growth of football in Nigeria, a country he described as being deeply passionate about the sport.
He also wished Nigeria’s junior women’s national teams—the Falconets and Flamingos—success as they prepare for their respective FIFA World Cup competitions.
The Falconets are set to compete at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, while the Flamingos will represent Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Infantino thanked the Nigerian delegation for its time, ideas and willingness to work with FIFA to move Nigerian football forward.
The Zurich meeting comes amid renewed efforts to strengthen the administration and development of football in Nigeria, with institutional reforms, governance and youth development expected to remain key areas of focus.
The FIFA president’s public comments also appeared to contradict an earlier purported letter allegedly issued by FIFA to the NSC and NFF over the mass resignation of former NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
The alleged letter was said to have sought clarification on whether the resignations were voluntary or influenced by the Nigerian government.
However, Infantino’s direct engagement with the Nigerian delegation and his stated commitment to supporting football development in the country have cast further doubt on the authenticity of the purported communication.
The latest development is expected to strengthen cooperation between FIFA and Nigerian football authorities as the country seeks to improve football governance, develop young talents and create stronger structures for the growth of the game.
