Infantino gave the insight when the Minister
of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare took him on a tour of the
renovated main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Nigeria had hosted two FIFA world cups till
date. In 2009, Nigeria hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Ten years earlier in
1999, Nigeria also hosted the U-21 World Cup.
The FIFA boss, who was visibly happy with the
re-grassed pitch at the stadium, said well maintained stadia with good pitches
was key to hosting grade A matches.
He said FIFA was ready to work more closely
with Nigeria to develop the game and host more grade A matches in the country.
“We (FIFA) have to make sure when a country,
when a government with the President, the minister and private persons are
investing in football, in stadia, we work with them to give something back.
“It’s obvious that stadiums like this (Moshood
Abiola stadium) and others in Nigeria deserve the best quality games.
“They deserve top national team games, top
club games and it’s not just about Nigerian football or African football, it’s
about global football,
“We are working together to see what kind of
new opportunities, competitions we can bring for men and women to fill this
stadium and make the heart of the stadium beat for fantastic spectacle that all
of Nigerian love, which is football,” he said.
Earlier, the minister said the Federal
Government will continue to invest in sports development and facilities.
The FIFA President, in company of the minister
visited President Muhammadu Buhari and First Lady Aisha at the State house, as
part of his engagement.
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