The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has called for stronger bilateral relations between the state and Tunisia in sports development, grassroots football and institutional collaboration.

Mr Abiodun made the call on Saturday when the Tunisian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohsen Antit, visited Abeokuta for the CAF Confederation Cup engagement between Shooting Stars of Ibadan and CS Sfaxien of Tunisia.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, stated that Ogun aims to draw on Tunisia’s expertise in developing both grassroots and professional football.

He said the state was particularly interested in the systems that had helped Tunisian clubs become major forces in African football.

The governor specifically sought collaboration to develop and reposition Gateway Football Club.

He said Ogun wanted to understand how clubs such as Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Étoile and CS Sfaxien had built strong structures.

According to him, the clubs have established identities, sustainable structures and impressive records in continental competitions.

The governor said Ogun had abundant football talent and the infrastructure to support its development, adding that the state was seeking strategic partnerships to harness its youthful population.

He said such partnerships would help convert the state’s sporting potential into sustainable opportunities for youths and strengthen the local sports economy.

He noted that Ogun has continued to invest in sports infrastructure and talent development through improved facilities and hosting major national and international competitions.

Mr Abiodun further called for concrete steps to establish the partnership.

He directed relevant state government officials to engage with Tunisian diplomatic authorities on areas of immediate collaboration.

“The state’s ambition is to build a football system that’ll develop home-grown talents, strengthen local clubs, and ultimately produce teams capable of making a mark in Nigerian and African football.

“Sports development remains an important component of the state’s broader economic growth and youth empowerment agenda.

“The proposed collaboration could cover technical development, coaching, scouting, youth academies, club administration, sports management and exchange programmes,” he said.

Responding, Mr Antit expressed Tunisia’s readiness to strengthen relations with Ogun, particularly in areas where the country had developed considerable expertise.

The ambassador said Tunisia’s football success was built over time through strong club structures, youth development, technical expertise and effective football administration.

He said Tunisian clubs had benefited from systems that emphasised identifying and nurturing young players while creating pathways for them to progress into professional football.

Mr Antit welcomed the governor’s proposal, saying Tunisia was willing to explore areas of mutual interest that could benefit both sides.

(NAN)