Pinnick defends decision to persuade Eze to change allegiance to Nigeria

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick has defended his decision to meet with Queens Park Rangers’ Ebere Eze with the aim of persuading the midfielder to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles.

Some Nigerian football fans criticised Pinnick when he, 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 his 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.

The fans did not agree with the decision to reveal the details of the visit to the public, with many saying the recent Tammy Abraham’s saga should have taught the NFF a lesson. But, according to soccernet.ng, Pinnick rejected such criticisms, saying it was Ebere Eze that visited him at his place in London.

“Can you imagine a midfield with Ndidi, Aribo, Etebo & Eze? I have no regrets talking to Eze, who visited me at home with his girlfriend,” Pinnick said.

”We need to make a solid representation at Qatar 2022 and it starts with improving on our squad with quality players like Eze. We talked at length in my house and I won’t relent on his pursuit until the deal is done.

“He is Nigerian, the next big football sensation and I would rather he achieves that mission wearing Nigeria’s jerseys, instead of playing for another country.”