Having recalled how the Super Eagles defeated France’s senior team in a friendly in Saint Etienne in June 2009, President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick has assured that they will work with the French Football Federation towards another high –profile friendly between the two countries.
Led then by the late Coach AmoduShaibu, Nigeria through Joseph Akpala downed Les Bleus in their back yard 1-0.
The hint for the high profile friendly was let out when NFF officials paid a visit to the Ambassador of France to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Denys Gauer.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, during the courtesy visit Mr. Gauer noted that football is an important tool for unity and integration in Nigeria, and praised the feats of Nigeria’s various National Teams in global competitions over the decades.
“Presently, Nigeria is France’s number one trading partner in Africa. We have also made good progress with regards to collaboration in the political and security areas.
“We are keen for stronger ties in football. We know football is a major factor in Nigeria and personally, I have a good idea of the power football because I spenttime in Iraq and the only time the Shiites, Sunni and Kurds groups came together as one was whenever there was a football match.”
Pinnick, who was in company withMr. Shehu Dikko (2ndVice President/LMC chairman), Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (General Secretary), Bola Oyeyode (Director of Competitions), Ademola Olajire (Director of Communications), Chikelue Iloenyosi (SA, Security), Tunde Aderibigbe (Head, Protocol), Christian Emeruwa (Integrity Officer), Nasiru Jibril (PA to President), Emmanuel Ayanbunmi(protocol officer) and Ayo Olu-Ibidapo (media officer), thanked Mr. Gauer for his personal intervention that saw Super Eagles’ backroom staff being issued visas eventually for two friendly matches in Europe last month.
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