SPORTS

Hungary seeks closer football ties with Nigeria
 

 NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari

The Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria, His Excellency Zsolt Maris on Wednesday visited the Secretariat of the Nigeria Football Federation, saying he is determined to forge closer ties between Nigeria and Hungary in the football sector.

“There is so much we can learn from Nigeria as the champion team of Africa in football. Nigeria is also one of the strongest football-playing nations of the world.

“Hungary used to be up there in the football world but we fell down the ranking over the decades and we’re now making efforts to improve things again. Our Prime Minister is a keen football fan and he wants the national team to gain global respect once more,” Maris told NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

Accompanied by the Consul-General, Mr. Emdre Deki, Ambassador Maris disclosed that he is presently seeking the permission of the Federal Government to re-open the Embassy of Hungary in Nigeria after a two-year hiatus. He has concurrent accreditation to Ghana and Angola as well.

The NFF President welcomed the Hungarian delegation and assured them that his administration is open to closer ties with other federations and nations that would help the development of the Nigeria game.

Both the Nigeria Football Federation and the Hungarian Football Federation will explore the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding that will open channels of closer co-operation.

Also at the meeting were Chairman of NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Chief Emeka Inyama, Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh and General Secretary, Musa Amadu.

Both Nigeria and Hungary have enjoyed success at the Olympic Games. Hungary have the best record in Men’s Football Tournament in the Games history, with three gold medals, one silver and one bronze. Nigeria, gold medallists in 1996, also added a silver at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Hungary’s Ferenc Puskas remains one of the best footballers of all time, and Hungary’s defeat by then West Germany in the Final of the 1954 FIFA World Cup is considered one of the biggest upsets in the game’s history.

THISDAY