Amaju Pinnick, NFF President Nigeria exchanging Super Eagles Chelsea with The Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Nigeria, His Excellency Alejandro Herrero. |
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The Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Nigeria, His
Excellency Alejandro Herrero has advocated the streghtening of footballing ties
between Argentina and Nigeria, insisting that there are compelling
commonalities between the two countries in the realm of the ‘beautiful game’.
During a courtesy call on the President of Nigeria Football
Federation and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick at the NFF
Secretariat, Abuja on Monday, Ambassador Herrero recalled several instances of
on-pitch skirmishes between the two countries, saying that Nigeria and
Argentina “always clash at the FIFA World Cup with narrow wins for Argentina
but you have won one Olympic gold medal at our expense and we have won one at
your expense.”
In a buoyant and relaxed
atmosphere, the Ambassador said he would particularly be delighted to see
regular games between nine –time African champions, Super Falcons and the Argentina
Women A team, as well as exchange programmes and meaningful collaboration
between the Football Federations and Clubs of both countries.
In his response, NFF
President Pinnick said was excited by the possibility of closer collaboration
and stronger footballing ties between Nigeria and Argentina, as this would
benefit the NFF in its drive to accomplish its mission of building a
sustainable football culture for Nigeria and fostering the building of a virile
football industry – areas in which Argentina has some knowledge and experience.
“Our mission is to build
a sustainable football culture for our country, and eventually have a robust
football industry that will not only sustain itself but also contribute
significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Argentina is a country
where the football culture is fully entrenched. Our teams clash all the time at
the FIFA World Cup, at the Olympics, at youth tournaments and in friendly
matches and both have had their victories.
“We have immense respect
for what Argentina has been able to do in football, but you will agree with me
that Nigeria has also made immense impact in world football, from youth
tournaments to the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. Now, we seek to buoy our
football industry to become the big business that it should be.” Pinnick also
mentioned the maiden edition of the First Lady of Nigeria Invitational
Tournament being planned for later this year, and hinted that both countries
could explore the possibility of Argentina Women A team joining the fray.
Also at the meeting were NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed
Sanusi; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports/NFF Executive Member, Chief
Obinna Ogba; NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme; NFF Director of
Finance & Administration, Mr Charity Kadiri; NFF Director of
Communications, Mr Ademola Olajire; personal assistant to NFF President, Mr
Nasiru Jibril; NFF Protocol Officer, Mr Emmanuel Ayanbunmi and; Ayo Olu-Ibidapo
of the Communications Department.
With Ambassador Herrero were Victoria Budic (Deputy Head of Mission)
and Fernando Lacabanne (Head of Economic and Commercial Section).
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