The President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick had an important meeting with the Manager of English Premier League side, Arsenal Football Club, Arsene Wenger on Tuesday.
The meeting, which was held at Arsenal’s training ground, was to discuss a number of issues, including the development of Nigerian-born players at the club, such as Chuba Akpom, Seyi Ajayi and Alex Iwobi and their release for international assignment.
Arsene Wenger gave his support to NFF’s ongoing recruitment of young players abroad and promised to co-operate with Nigeria, with regards to releasing the Nigerian players at his club when needed.
Speaking after the meeting, a delighted Pinnick said: “As we had always known, Arsene is very knowledgeable; vast in his knowledge and appreciation of Nigeria as a footballing country, and widely philosophical in his general approach,” he said, assuring that, contrary to what is reported about some clubs in Europe trying to steer their players to play for the countries where they live, Wenger was emphatic on what should be.
“He told me that he has never stopped any player from opting for whichever national team he wants. He said to me that he always tells his players to follow their hearts and not allow people to push them. He further assured that if Nigeria extended a call-up to either or both of his players, he will have no objection if the players say they want to go,” Pinnick continued.
Nigeria has a myriad of youngsters coming through the ranks at various English Premier League clubsides.
Players such as Seyi Ajayi, Chuba Akpom, Alex Iwobi (all Arsenal), Jordan Ibe (Liverpool), Sammy Ameobi (Newcastle United) and Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur) are all eligible to feature for the Super Eagles despite being capped for England at youth level.
NFF is trying to lure these players, with the help of managers, agents, ex-footballers and family members.
About the Writer: Arinze Ude (@arturozinga) is an aspiring cancer research scientist with a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences (Haematology). He is keen on building partnerships and managing the careers of Nigerian sportsmen and women. He blogs at
http://arturozinga.wordpress.com
