International Sports Diplomacy and Nigeria’s Use of Football as a Tool of Soft Power

This study examines Nigeria's use of football as an instrument of soft power and sports diplomacy, assessing how the performances and international profile of the Super Eagles and other national teams contribute to Nigeria's public diplomacy objectives and national image construction. Football is Nigeria's most popular sport and the Super Eagles command a substantial following across Africa and the global Nigerian diaspora, making football a potentially powerful diplomatic asset. Drawing on soft power theory and sports diplomacy frameworks, this research investigates how Nigerian government and sports institutions have leveraged football for diplomatic purposes from 2019 to 2024, examining state sponsorship of international competitions hosted in Nigeria, player ambassador roles, and the diplomatic uses of Super Eagles fixtures. The study employs a qualitative methodology, drawing on Ministry of Sports policy documents, FIFA and CAF records, media analysis, and interviews with sports administrators and foreign policy officials. Attention is paid to the management of Nigeria's joint hosting bid for the 2030 Africa Cup of Nations and the diplomatic dimensions of player naturalisation controversies. Findings are expected to show that Nigeria's sports diplomacy potential is significant but strategically underutilised, with limited coordination between football governance and the formal foreign policy apparatus. Recommendations address integrating sports into Nigeria's public diplomacy strategy. Keywords: sports diplomacy, football, Nigeria, soft power, Super Eagles.