Super Eagles at the 2023 AFCON tournament [ Photo by Adeniyi Muyiwa / Credit: Soccernet Media Limited]
Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire at the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has shared his experience of persuading some England-based Nigerian players to switch allegiance to the Nigerian national team, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
The Nigeria’s FIFA Council member disclosed that convincing players like Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi to play for the Super Eagles was a daunting task during his tenure.
Lookman, who previously represented England’s youth teams at various levels, made the switch to Nigeria in 2022 and has since become an integral part of the team, contributing five goals and four assists.
In an interview with ThisDay, Pinnick acknowledged the challenges involved in facilitating these player switches, citing political complexities and family dynamics.
“It is also true that I was instrumental to some of the players switching to Nigeria. Ademola Lookman for example, it was hell for us bringing him to Nigeria. There was a lot of politics involved. A lot of intrigues and family dynamism. Same for [Alex] Iwobi. But like I said earlier, football is a continuum. I will not say I brought them because today they are asset to the federation.“ Pinnick stated.
Despite the difficulties, Pinnick emphasized the importance of these players to the Nigerian national team, highlighting their contributions to the team’s success.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria emerged as runners-up in the recently concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, with players like Lookman, Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and others of English descent playing pivotal roles in Nigeria’s achievements.
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