Nigeria and Kosovo Set for Friendly Football Match After New Sports Deal

The National Sports Commission has formed a sports partnership with Kosovo. This deal is expected to help Nigeria's sports economy. Plans are in place for a friendly football match between Nigeria and Kosovo.

The agreement was made in Abuja. The Deputy Prime Minister of Kosovo, Glauk Konjufca, visited the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, at his office.

Konjufca said Kosovo sees Nigeria as a top economy in Africa. He mentioned Nigeria's rich human, capital, and natural resources. He believes a diplomatic relationship between both countries will be good for both sides.

"The Government of Kosovo is very happy to visit Nigeria," Konjufca said. "We are very excited with the level of reception we have been accorded by the Nigerian Government. This can only mark the beginning of a long-term, strong diplomatic relationship between our two countries."

He revealed that the Kosovo team had earlier met with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. They discussed how both countries can work together in sports, especially in football and judo.

"We had a fantastic meeting with the SGF," Konjufca said. "Because we know how big Nigeria is with sports, we decided to come and see how our new relationship with Nigeria can fully be feasible in this area, especially in football and judo, amongst other sports."

Konjufca added, "This is why we are proposing a friendly match between the Nigeria national team and the Kosovo national team. We are also ready to have capacity building in judo, where we have produced several world and Olympic champions."

In response, Olopade praised the Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister for his visit. He assured him that Nigeria is a great partner for socio-economic and sports diplomacy.

"I can tell you that we are super delighted for this honour by Kosovo," Olopade said. "We are ready for every form of sporting collaboration that will mutually benefit both countries."

He added, "At the Sports Commission, through the mandate given to us by the President, we are building an ecosystem that is economically friendly for sports. This collaboration with Kosovo will further boost that drive."