The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has collaborated with Iraq to grow grassroots football in the country.

The football body revealed its intentions to collaborate with countries with a pedigree in the game to ensure real growth for Nigerian football at the grassroots.

NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of Iraq to Nigeria, Mr. Anwer Saeed in Abuja on Wednesday

In a statement released by NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, the body’s president said it chose to collaborate with Iraq because the people are also passionate about football like Nigerians.

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He also revealed that football plays a big role in unifying countries and promoting international relations.

“Our country has a solid pedigree in football, as well as over 200 million passionate football followers and stakeholders. We are aware of the fact that the people of Iraq are also very passionate about the game of football. It is important to seize the opportunity to explore areas of cooperation and collaboration that will benefit our two nations.

“Football is that big unifying factor that keeps getting bigger and stronger in holding the world together and assuming a greater role in international relations. It is also a soft power with a booming economy, and collaboration is needed to accomplish great things and attain higher levels,” Gusau said.