FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed the world football governing body’s commitment to supporting the development and restructuring of Nigerian football following a meeting with a Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko in Zurich, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Infantino disclosed the meeting through a post on his Instagram account after hosting the Nigerian delegation at the FIFA headquarters, the Home of FIFA, in Zurich.
The discussions centred on key institutional, governance and developmental matters concerning Nigerian football, with both parties also reviewing existing areas of cooperation between FIFA and Nigeria.
Infantino said the meeting also provided an opportunity to explore additional ways FIFA could support the growth of football in Nigeria, particularly by strengthening structures and creating clearer pathways for young players to develop and access greater opportunities.
“I was pleased to sit down with a delegation from Nigeria, led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko, at the Home of FIFA in Zürich to hold important discussions and align on our vision for football in the country,” Infantino said.
The FIFA president emphasised the need for stronger football structures and improved development pathways for Nigerian youngsters, while expressing the organisation’s willingness to continue working with the country to advance the sport.
Infantino also wished Nigeria’s women’s youth teams success at their upcoming FIFA tournaments, with special mention of the Falconets, who are set to compete at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, and the Flamingos, who will feature at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
He thanked the Nigerian delegation for its “time, ideas and positive intent” and expressed confidence that the collaboration between FIFA and Nigeria would continue to help move the country’s football forward.
The delegation comprised senior officials from the National Sports Commission and representatives of the Nigerian football administration.