The Nigeria Association of National Professional Footballers (NANPF) has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agreement, signed during Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil, is expected to improve air travel and boost sporting and professional exchanges between both countries.

CSP Chijioke Kalu, NANPF Director of Players’ Safety and Security, told NAN on Friday that the agreement could transform Nigerian football through strategic collaboration with Brazilian and South American football clubs.

He said the deal would enhance player exchange, technical partnerships, and competitive exposure for Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs.

Kalu noted that Brazil enjoys global football prestige, having produced legends like Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar, and winning five FIFA World Cup titles.

He said Brazil’s experience hosting the FIFA World Cup and Olympics offers valuable insights for Nigeria in football infrastructure and stadium safety.

Kalu added that Brazil’s expertise in facility maintenance and crowd control management could benefit Nigerian football administrators and the NPFL.

He urged the NPFL, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and other leagues to act fast in leveraging the aviation deal’s opportunities.

He called for proactive engagement with Brazilian football bodies on youth development, training camps, friendlies, and scouting exchanges.

President Tinubu confirmed the deal on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle following his visits to Japan and Brazil.

He said the agreement aligns with his government’s goal of restoring Nigeria’s global standing and driving reforms.

Tinubu said the Japan trip focused on technology and industry, while Brazil opened new cooperation in aviation, trade, and sports.

Kalu, who is also a board member of the Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, noted wider benefits for other sports.

He said Brazil’s leadership in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts presents opportunities for Nigerian athletes and coaches.

He said Nigerian fighters could access Brazilian training camps, take part in coaching exchanges, and compete internationally.

Kalu advised sports authorities to include martial arts in future exchange programmes with Brazil.

He urged them to learn from Brazil’s successful sports infrastructure and training systems to grow Nigeria’s sports sector.

Kalu said Brazil has become a global sports leader by leveraging its expertise in football and combat sports.

He described the Nigeria-Brazil aviation deal as a strategic opportunity for long-term development and international sports diplomacy.

Kalu said proper planning can unlock career paths, raise standards, and deliver lasting value for Nigerian sports. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade