THE new Consul General of Brazil in Nigeria, Amb. Flavio Bonzanini, on Thursday said his country’s government plans to encourage more sports exchanges between young Nigerians and Brazilians.

Bonzanini told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the consulate was prepared to discuss with the Brazilian private sector to be actively involved in promoting the exchanges.

The former Brazilian Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo said that he would be committed to promoting cooperation with Nigeria in sports, as well as expand both countries’ trade and economic relations.

“Let me say that the Brazilian Government will do all that is possible to encourage more sports exchanges between Nigerians and Brazilians.

“We are currently looking at the possibility of making Brazilian football players come to play in Nigeria, as well as Nigerians going to play in Brazil.

“We know that Nigeria and Brazil are two football countries. Nigeria has had such outstanding football teams since 1970s.

“So, our private sector will be actively involved in promoting these exchanges between our two countries,’’ he said.

Bonzanini expressed optimism that a partnership between Brazilian businessmen and stakeholders in Nigeria’s sports industry would enhance the training of Nigerian young boys and girls in sports.

The consul general said that the Brazilian Government and the private sector had confidence in Nigerian footballers and was willing to train young Nigerians to become complete football players locally and internationally.

Bonzanini also said that would be a lot for young Brazilian footballers to learn from their Nigerian counterparts during the exchanges.

“Let me say that Brazil has a lot to offer Nigerians in areas of sports because we have very many experts in the sector that will help these young Nigerians,’’ he said.

– Mar. 15, 2018 @ 11:23 GMT |