The President of football’s world governing body (FIFA), Gianni Infantino has commended the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for its commitment to the development of football and sporting infrastructure in Nigeria.
Infantino led a delegation from FIFA to visit President Buhari at the State House in Abuja on Thursday. He had earlier attended the opening ceremony of the Aisha Buhari Cup in Lagos on Wednesday.
“Nigeria has shown serious commitment to football by providing funding and creating a conducive environment for the development and growth of the game,” Infantino said during the visit to President Buhari at the State House.
“This is commendable and really encouraging. The football family speaks only one language and we are one big happy family,” Infantino added.
The FIFA President was then led on a short inspection tour of the newly regrassed Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja where he could not hide his excitement as he spoke to newsmen.
“We, as FIFA, are excited to be in a country where the Government, the Minister and the Football Federation are working with private investors like Alhaji Aliko Dangote who is investing in football,” Infantino said.
“This is not just about Nigeria or African football, but global football. This Stadium (Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja) is a wonderful edifice. It is an investment, not just for football but in the youth of this wonderful country.”
“FIFA appreciates this kind of investment and looks forward to giving its backing to have the stadium host some big games and competitions to bring life to the heartbeat of the stadium,” Infantino concluded.
