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The Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina, His Excellency Alejandro Herrero has canvassed the solidification of footballing rapport between Argentina and Nigeria, arguing that there are remarkable similarities between both countries in the realm of the enjoyable game.
He made the call during a courtesy call on the President of the Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Pinnick at the NFF Secretariat on Monday in Abuja, CompleteSports reports.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Herrero recounted instances of on-pitch battles between both countries, noting 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.
Explaining further, the Ambassador said he would particularly be pleased to witness 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.
Responding, the NFF President, Pinnick, said he 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.
He said, “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 an 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 noted the possibility of the Argentina Women A team partaking in the maiden edition of the First Lady of Nigeria Invitational Tournament being planned for later this year.
This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.