Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday evening received the President of the Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, Gianni Infantino at the State House, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
The FIFA president was in Lagos for the FIFA executive summit. He was accompanied in the visit by the Confederation of African Football, CAF President, Ahmed Ahmad; FIFA Secretary-General, Fatimah Diouf-Samora; NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and others.
Speaking, Ambode urged FIFA to consider Lagos as preferred location for football project, saying that the establishment of the project in Lagos would further boost football development in the continent.
He said Lagos had the potentials to host the project, saying that Nigeria is very strong in youth soccer, and that to further boost it, the global football association should site it project in Lagos.
“And has you decides the location for the next FIFA projects, Lagos stands to welcome all your projects. We have the population, enthusiastic and tourism potentials to receive any of your project.”
The governor said the summit would apparently boost the standard of the game in the country, adding that “we are delighted that Lagos is considered as the second African city to host the summit aimed at discussing football development. It is very important to us because soccer is a major sport in the state and contributes to its developments.”
Speaking, Infantino disclosed that the summit would afford the body the opportunity to discuss and decide new strategies to improve the game especially youth football.
“We are here to discuss with CAF and NFF few projects that will help improve standard of football in the country. Also at the summit, we will be discussing strategies on how to improve the standard of youth and female football development. I know that Nigeria is a major force in the Africa,” he said.
