Nigerian Football Federation
President, Amaju Pinnick, was in Wembley on Tuesday to meet English FA chairman
Greg Dyke.
Although, there were reportedly no
discussions on a possible friendly match between the Three Lions, England, and
the Super Eagles, both heads of their respective Football houses were said to
have instead discussed areas of interest and cooperation.
The discussions also centred on
Pinnick’s appreciation of English football which was noted by the English FA.
Both sides have reportedly decided to keep their doors open to further explore
areas of interest.
Amaju Pinnick was elected NFF
president in September following a congress in Warri. This was after series of
attempts to elect one was hit by crisis which resulted in the election of Chris
Giwa whose ascension to the NFF presidency was not recognised by world
governing body, FIFA.
The new NFF boss has received praise
for the way he has gone about his business since he assumed the position last
year. He was on Monday commended by FIFA president Sepp Blatter for the
innovation and dynamism he has introduced to Nigerian football since he assumed
the office few months ago.
The former Delta State FA chairman
has been in Europe to hold series of meeting
with the top brass of the world’s most popular sport in order to seek ways to
advance the growth and development of Nigerian football.
While there was no talk of a
friendly between Nigeria and
England
when Pinnick met Dyke at Wembley, many Nigerians would love to see both sides
play each other.
Nigeria last played England at the 2002 World Cup in Japan/Korea when
a Vincent Enyeama inspired side held England to a goalless draw in it
last group match. Prior to that the Super Eagles also played the Three Lions in
an international friendly match at Wembley in November, 1994, when as African
Champions, Nigeria lost by 1-0.
Amaju Pinnick will be at the FIFA
congress which holds in Zurich
at the end of May.
Photo Credit: NFF
