By Jennifer Y Omiloli
Mr Daniel Dergent, Belgium Ambassador to Nigeria, said that for both the country of origin and the country of destination, migration can be an asset and a danger.
The envoy said this on Tuesday at the Brazilian Cultural Center’s film screening of ‘ Sideline ‘ organized by the Belgian Embassy in Nigeria.
He said the film focuses on young Nigerian players who had the dream of escaping from their home country a difficult life to play in Europe as professional soccer players.
Dergent said that for some people the vision became a reality while others were facing the difficulties of living abroad in a very difficult environment.
“Far from their families and sometimes abandoned by the one who encouraged them to come to Europe.
“Migration has always existed. Many Europeans left their countries to emigrate towards new countries.
“Migration can be an asset at the same time a danger for the country of origin and the country of destination, both side is something to win or to lose.
‘’For the country of origin there’s the risk of workforce drain and for the country of destination, there’s a problem to integrate the new comers and to offer them a decent conditions to live and access social development,’’ he said.
At the meeting, Nigerian Commission Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa (NIDCOM) said Nigeria should create an enabling atmosphere for foreigners to come and train in football, not just Nigerians.
She said the commission will establish a Diaspora desk at the Sports Ministry to raise awareness of the challenges faced not only by footballers, but also by Nigerians.
The movie was based on mostly Nigerian players who didn’t do it at the trial match, but had to face the life of fighting in Europe before returning home.
