The country’s number one football administrator on Tuesday detailed how he came to the rescue of the Everton midfielder to rousing applause from lovers of the game
Alex Iwobi would have been quarantined and held back in the Benin Republic last week after testing positive to COVID-19 if not for the timely intervention of the Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick.
The Everton ace was a vital member of the 24-man Super Eagles squad that travelled to Cotonou by sea last Friday ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Squirrels.
But Iwobi was the only one who reportedly failed a coronavirus test, necessitating his quarantine and isolation in that country for at least ten days.
But Pinnick, who was recently elected into FIFA’s Executive Council, swung into action, pulling political and administrative powers to ensure that Iwobi returns to Nigeria by sea that night to avoid his detention in the tiny West African nation.
A 93rd-minute winner from Genk’s prolific forward, Paul Onuachu, handed the Super Eagles victory over the Squirrels at the Charles de Gaulle Stadium later on Saturday.
Iwobi has since undergone another test in Lagos, with the result confirming that the midfielder has no coronavirus and has been cleared by CAF to feature for Nigeria against Lesotho on Tuesday.
And on his Twitter account, Pinnick detailed how he came to Iwobi’s help.
“Last Saturday was a difficult day for Alex Iwobi & his family, after the news broke that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus ahead of the away game against the Squirrels of Benin Republic.
“The fear of Iwobi being quarantined was real & worrying…
so I took the responsibility of consulting with every relevant authority to get him to travel out of Benin by boat about 7:30 pm, to forestall him getting isolated there.
“And to the glory of God, after further tests in Lagos, it was confirmed that Iwobi was not infected with COVID-19.”
Fans have been left impressed with how well Pinnick handled the matter, with many applauding the football boss’s administrative competence.
One user even labelled the Delta FA Chairman ‘the best NFF President” in the country. Here are some of the reactions to the development on the social media site.
You can say whatever you want about @PinnickAmaju but all I know is that he is the best NFF president I have ever seen…
— Olori karo (@olori_karo) March 30, 2021
It takes a competent boss to hire a smart and competent PA. So expect more of this competent job from the office of the NFF boss
— Landlord (@Simeon_042) March 30, 2021
I have always admired this man.
— TheCitizen (@MaziAlly) March 30, 2021
Won't be surprised sir if you end up becoming FIFA president one day.
This write up is so on point. FIFA sure has a good content to elevate her administration. Nigeria 🇳🇬 to the world.
— Hola Kenny (@holakennydaniel) March 30, 2021
I’m sure Iwobi himself will feel important and will be impressed when he reads this write up and all the work that was done to cater for him during thats difficult weekend
— Rendezvous (@dosdynamiks) March 30, 2021
Good job sir. You've done well….may God bless you.
— SON OF MAN 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@Okaraemmanuel) March 30, 2021
a perfectly written report, good job.
— Amaget Stores (@Amagetonline) March 30, 2021
Iwobi is expected to make the starting eleven as the Super Eagles trade tackles with Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, by 5 pm today.
The three-time Afcon champions have already qualified for Cameroon 2022, having also sealed the top spot in Group L.