In the vibrant heart of Africa lies a tale of friendship, curiosity, and cultural exchange. It begins with a question posed by Hassan, a Nigerian friend I met two years ago during the Chengdu Universiade.
His inquiry about China’s rapid development sparked a journey that would take me across continents, delving into the depths of both our cultures.
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The Beginning: A Shared Experience
It all started in 2023 when Hassan and I were part of the Chengdu FISU University Game’s Youth Reporter Program. For two weeks, we immersed
ourselves in the world of international football and African football development, discussing everything from the pandas of Chengdu to the
Jinsha archaeological site.
Those late nights in the newsroom, filled with anxiety and camaraderie, remain etched in my memory. However, one question lingered: ‘Zhu, why can China develop so fast?’; It was a query I couldn’t answer then, but one that I was determined to address.
The Quest to Find Answers
Fast-forward to 2025, and I found myself in Nigeria, participating in Tsinghua University’s Global Competency course focused on civilizational Exchanges and Mutual Learning between China and Nigeria. This journey was not just about academic exploration but also a personal quest to find Hassan and share the answers I had discovered.
Before arriving in Nigeria, my perception of the country was limited to its impressive football achievements, such as the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and its nickname, the Super Eagles. However, my understanding expanded as I learned about Nigeria’s gold medal win at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
This newfound knowledge ignited a deeper interest in Nigerian culture, particularly its vibrant football scene.
Discovering Nigeria’s Football Culture
During my stay, I had the opportunity to engage with Nigerian employees at CCECC in a friendly football match. The experience was exhilarating,
showcasing the passion and creativity that defines Nigerian football. Players like Ishaya, who began playing at the age of seven and was once part of Nigeria’s U15 national team, embody this spirit.
Despite his current focus on work, Ishaya still dreams of playing abroad, reflecting the enduring love for the sport in Nigeria.
Academic Exchanges in Abuja
My journey took me to the University of Abuja, where we co-hosted a seminar on civilizational exchanges between China and Nigeria. The event highlighted the potential for cultural exchanges to foster global diversity and promote a more equitable world order.
It was here that I met Big Mike, a student learning Chinese, whose curiosity about China’s social development mirrored the
broader interest among Nigerians in understanding China’s rise.
Hassan’s Second Question
Hassan had also asked, ‘What help can China’s experience offer to Nigeria’s development?’ This question resonated deeply as I navigated Nigeria’s landscapes.
My preliminary answer, shaped by my experiences, emphasized the importance of education. Visiting the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos reinforced this belief, as it serves as a platform for educational exchange and cultural understanding between our nations.
After visiting Nigeria, I have a preliminary answer to Hassan’s questions from two years ago: Nigeria is a country with many young people and vitality.
As a young person myself, I believe providing better education is an important path to Nigeria’s development.
A Lesson in Language and Culture
Our course assignment was to learn a sentence in the local Nigerian
language. My journalist friend Umar helped me complete it by teaching me, We also discussed Nigeria’s international communication issues. With the rise of the global South, more Southern countries are expressing their views and insights on international platforms.
I think this is an area where China and Nigeria can engage in more exchange projects and academic research collaborations on development and future issues.
The Unmet Reunion
Despite my efforts, I did not meet Hassan in Lagos as planned. The city, with over 20 million inhabitants and is a bustling metropolis similar to Beijing.
Though I couldn’t deliver the panda gift I had prepared for him, I shared my reflections with new friends and acquaintances, ensuring that Hassan’s questions were answered, even if not in person.
This journey was more than just a quest to find answers; it was a testament to the power of friendship and cultural exchange.
As I reflect on Hassan’s questions, I realize that the true strength of our relationship lies not in the answers but in the journey itself. The friendship between China and Nigeria, like any other, is built on mutual respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from each other.
I hope that one day, I will return to Nigeria, and together, we can explore new questions and deepen our understanding of each other’s worlds.
Writer: Zhu Hongxu, PhD student at Tsinghua University, Beijing China
Photos: Tsinghua School of Journalism and Communication
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