NANPF Applauds Tinubu on Nigeria-Brazil Aviation Deal

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has lauded President Bola Tinubu for signing a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) with Brazil, describing the development as a major boost for Nigerian sports.

The agreement, sealed during Tinubu’s recent state visit to Brazil, aims to improve air connectivity between the two nations while creating opportunities for sports and cultural exchange.

CSP Chijioke Kalu Erem, NANPF’s Director of Players’ Safety and Security, said the deal could transform Nigerian football by fostering stronger collaboration with Brazil and other South American football institutions. He noted that improved travel links would encourage player exchanges, technical partnerships, and competitive opportunities for clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

“Brazil has extensive expertise in facility safety, stadium management, and crowd control. These are areas Nigerian football must prioritise, and partnerships with Brazil can fast-track the process,” Kalu said.

Highlighting Brazil’s football heritage, home to legends such as Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Neymar, he added that Nigeria stands to benefit from the country’s experience in hosting global tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.

Kalu urged the NPFL, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and other sporting bodies to take advantage of the deal by initiating youth development programmes, joint training camps, scouting exchanges, and friendly matches with Brazilian clubs.

Beyond football, Kalu, who also serves on the board of the Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, stressed the wider benefits of the agreement for other sports. He said Brazilian expertise in martial arts such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA could provide Nigerian athletes with access to elite training centres, coaching exchanges, and international competitions.

President Tinubu confirmed the BASA deal in a statement via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, noting that the agreement aligns with his administration’s vision to restore Nigeria’s global relevance. While his visit to Japan focused on technology and industrial investment, the Brazil engagement opened new prospects in aviation, trade, agriculture, and sports.

Kalu concluded by urging Nigerian sports authorities to view the agreement not only as a diplomatic breakthrough but also as a foundation for long-term sports development.