NFF President Faces Harsh Backlash For Public Pursuit Of ‘New Jay Jay Okocha’

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has come under severe attack after it was made public that the top football boss was hot on the chase of talented QPR midfielder, Ebere Eze.

Some section of Nigeria football fans has expressed their dissatisfaction at the manner with which Mr Pinnick is going about convincing the 20-year-old talent to switch his allegiance and star for the Super Eagles.

Pinnick, via the NFF’s official Twitter handle, made public the moves already set in motion to secure the services of a player who only recently featured for the England U-21s.

“The NFF President was at the Fulham v QPR Championship game of Friday to watch Nigeria-eligible Ebere Eze in action. The President who maintains a keen interest in the player had also met with his father previously trying to get a decision on his international career.

“Yesterday Eze also visited President Pinnick in the latter’s London home.

“During discussions, the player was informed of the President’s desire, which echoes that of many Nigerians to see Ebere Eze switch allegiance and start playing his international football for Nigeria,” the tweet read in part.

Talks are ongoing but the player has requested for the chance to continue to focus on his club career which is going well so far, and that further progress will be made in due course. 4/4. End of thread.

— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) November 24, 2019

However, disgruntled Super Eagles supporters have taken exception to the celebrated public pursuit and lack of decorum displayed by the football body, especially after a similar strategy failed to influence the decision of Chelsea duo of Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori.

This idea of going to beg a player who plays for a championship team is stinking. If he wants to play for us, he should show the desire. This is a player playing for the U21, you are begging to come play for the super Eagles. SE the likes of Okocha, Finidi, Oliseh played in. Sigh

— Miyaki (@Patrick_Miyaki) November 24, 2019

https://www.twitter.com/seyiomowa/status/1198509251720863744

Same thing happened with @tammyabraham … We don't want to hear rumors.. give us results. BTW.. why not raise your own stars.. reaping from a system you didn't sow a dime into

— Chris Roid (@d_Android_Dev) November 24, 2019

https://www.twitter.com/1776_yori/status/1198499583397179392

This thing should be done underground! Not all things should be in public space

— Dr Samuel Umoh, Ph.D (@Samtol4) November 24, 2019

Why can't you people just keep it under wrap till it happen, what's with us and this show off thing.

— Jonzjagz (@Imatejuojo) November 24, 2019

https://www.twitter.com/OhiLonge/status/1198532913031196672