Stakeholders in the Nigeria’s football sector have commended the Federal Government’s efforts at leveraging sports diplomacy to strengthen international relations and promote youth development in the country.
They spoke on the sidelines of a football viewing party organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant ( SSA) to the President on Grassroots Sports Development in collaboration with the Polish Embassy in Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The event, which attracted football enthusiasts, government officials and members of the diplomatic community, was organised to watch the international friendly match between Nigeria and Poland.
The Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by Poland after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in Warsaw.
Speaking at the event, former First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),Seyi Akinwumi, commended the organisers for creating a platform that brought together football lovers and key stakeholders.
“I must commend the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development for this initiative.
“ The turnout was impressive, with football enthusiasts and dignitaries coming together to enjoy the game in a unique atmosphere,” he said.
Akinwumi described the Super Eagles performance as encouraging in spite of the late equaliser, noting that the team had shown significant improvement in recent months.
According to him, Nigeria matched Poland throughout the encounter and, in several phases of the game, demonstrated superior quality.
“The late equaliser was unfortunate, but overall, the team’s performance was impressive.
“ The quality of our football has improved considerably, and I believe the national team is on an upward trajectory,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, stressed the importance of good governance and accountability in attracting investments into the football sector.
“If investors are to commit resources to football, the system must be credible, transparent and accountable.
“ Investors need confidence that their investments will be protected and properly utilised,” he said.
Elegbeleye, who is also the Second Vice President of the NFF, said that football had become a powerful instrument of global diplomacy, citing Nigeria’s growing profile as a football nation.
He said the invitation extended by Poland to Nigeria for the international friendly reflected the country’s standing in world football and the respect commanded by its players across various leagues.
“Nigeria remains one of Africa’s leading football nations. Our achievements at youth level and the success of Nigerian players around the world continue to enhance the country’s reputation internationally.
“Many countries are eager to engage Nigeria through football because of our rich football heritage and enormous talent base,” he said.
Elegbeleye added that increased international exposure would inspire more young Nigerians to embrace football as a pathway to personal development, global recognition and economic empowerment.
He expressed optimism that ongoing reforms and strategic partnerships would further strengthen football development and youth participation across the country.
