FIFA Gives Buhari No. 10 Jersey During Infantino’s Visit
President Muhammadu Buhari has received the iconic No. 10 jersey from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The presentation was made during the visit of the FIFA delegation led by its President Infantino and the President of Confederation of African Football (CAF) Patrice Motsepe, at State House, Abuja.
Advertisement
Buhari urged the leadership of the world football governing body to consider Nigeria top on its plan for support and investment, according to a statement released by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
He told the FIFA delegation about the approval of the 10-year master plan for football in the country.
He said, ‘‘I have also approved the unveiling of a committee to draw up a 10-year football development master plan for the country.
‘‘I expect that the recommendations of this committee will accelerate the development of football. It is my hope that it will further improve the fortunes of the game internationally.”
Advertisement
Commenting on the Aisha Buhari Cup (ABC) which is on-going in Lagos, Buhari said the tournament was ideal for the development of women football.
‘‘This Women’s football competition is a novel idea here and I am sure it will be exciting in its execution for our women folk and lovers of football.
‘‘It is also a confirmation of what we already know about our women,’’ he said.
The FIFA on his part pledged commitment to support the development of football in Nigeria.
He said, ‘‘Nigeria is a big football playing country. We need Nigeria to lead the football movement in the world, together with Africa as a continent,’’ he said.
Advertisement
The FIFA president thanked President Buhari for supporting the development of the game, appealing to him to help FIFA amplify the message of football as a uniting force.
‘‘When football is played there are no divisions in a nation or continent. Football brings people together and to do that we need important countries like Nigeria.’’
