Nigeria, Kosovo forge sports alliance with Super Eagles friendly
Nigeria has taken another step in expanding its international sports partnerships after the National Sports Commission (NSC) formalised a bilateral sporting relationship with the Federal Republic of Kosovo, with both countries now exploring an international football friendly and technical cooperation in judo.
The partnership, which aligns with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerian Sports Economy (RHINSE), was sealed in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Kosovo's Deputy Prime Minister, Glauk Konjufca, to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.
Speaking during the visit, Konjufca described Nigeria as one of Africa's leading economies with enormous human, capital and natural resources, expressing confidence that stronger diplomatic and sporting ties would benefit both nations.
"The Government of Kosovo is very happy to visit Nigeria and we are very excited with the level of reception we have been accorded by the Nigerian Government and this can only mark the beginning of a long term strong diplomatic relationship between our two Countries."
He revealed that the Kosovo delegation had earlier held discussions with George Akume before meeting officials of the National Sports Commission to explore cooperation in sports.
"We had a fantastic meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume and because we know how big Nigeria is with sports we decided to come to see how our new relationship with Nigeria can fully be feasible in this area, especially in football and Judo amongst other Sports."
The Deputy Prime Minister also proposed an international football friendly between both countries while offering Kosovo's expertise in judo development.
"This is why we are proposing a friendly match between the Nigeria National team and the Kosovo National team and we are also ready to have capacity building in Judo where we have produced several world and Olympic Champions."
Responding, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade welcomed the initiative, describing the partnership as another milestone in Nigeria's drive to leverage sports for economic growth and international cooperation.
"I can tell you for free that we are super delighted for this honour by Kosovo and we are ready for every form of sporting collaboration that will mutually benefit both countries."
Olopade added that the partnership is in line with the vision of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to transform the nation's sports sector into a sustainable economic ecosystem.
"At the Sports commission, through the mandate given to us by our dear President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we are building an ecosystem that is economically friendly for Sports and this Collaboration with Kosovo will further boost that drive."
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