Before W/Cup Qualifier: NSC Boss, S/Africa Minister Plan Logistics, Collaboration

By Saidu Abubakar

Ahead of the World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria billed for Blomfontein on September 9, the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko on Monday held a strategic meeting with the South Africa Minister Plenipotentiary, Ms. Lindi Mminele at the NSC Headquarters in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement by Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi FCAI,ANIPR who is the Director Information and Public Relations of the NSC.

Discussions, the statement said, centered around the need for seamless framework for timely visa issuance and other logistics support for the members of the Nigerian official delegation to the match and the Supporters Club members NSC intends to take to South Africa to bolster support for the Super Eagles.

The NSC has already secured private sector support in this regard to compliment Government efforts, thus the need to ensure seamless logistics processing accordingly.

Both parties also discussed the need to revisit the Memorandum of Understanding between both countries in the area of sports.

They agreed on the need to activate a joint implementation committee to drive the process as sports was recognised as a veritable area for collaboration among both countries and thus ensure sports economy is always on agenda during the BNC meetings.

Speaking afterwards, Mallam Dikko highlighted the importance of the meeting considering the need to deepen sporting collaborations between both countries and ensure mutual understanding at all times.

His words: “There is need to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and South Africa at all times and one area that this can be achieved is through sports.

“Similarly, we have to ensure that travelling logistics for the match in Blomfontein scheduled for 9th September, 2025 is streamlined and I am glad to have secured the assurances of the Minister Plenipotentiary to that effect.”

The South African Minister Plenipotentiary had earlier assured the NSC Chairman of South African High Commission’s fullest support in processing the visas while emphasizing the need for early submission of applications.