Former NFF President Reveals Administrative Hurdles in Eze's Nigeria Switch
Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, has provided detailed insights into why Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze ultimately chose to represent England internationally rather than Nigeria. Pinnick, who successfully recruited several England-born players during his tenure, explained that administrative changes within the federation disrupted what had been an advanced process to secure Eze's commitment to the Super Eagles.
Multiple Attempts to Secure Dual-Eligibility Star
Pinnick revealed that his first approach to Eze occurred in 2017 when the midfielder was invited to train with Nigeria's national team ahead of an international friendly against Burkina Faso. However, the cancellation of that match prevented Eze from being officially named in the squad, stalling the initial recruitment effort. The former NFF president made another attempt five years later, approaching Eze ahead of Nigeria's crucial 2022 World Cup qualifier against Ghana.
During his leadership, Pinnick successfully convinced several dual-eligibility players to represent Nigeria, including Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Joe Aribo, and Josh Maja. These players have since become integral members of the Super Eagles squad, participating in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Family Meetings and Advanced Documentation
In a revealing interview on ThePlayzone and Dangolo Way podcast, Pinnick disclosed that he personally met with Eberechi Eze's father during the recruitment process. "I met the father, and we had a long and very meaningful conversation, during which he expressed his agreement," Pinnick stated. The former FIFA Council Member explained that Eze's sister, who manages his career, also participated in discussions at Pinnick's London flat.
The process had progressed significantly with documentation prepared and agreements reached by both parties. "We had agreed, put all the documentations and he said we should hold on and that was it," Pinnick recalled. Unfortunately, the administrative transition following NFF elections disrupted the finalized arrangements, leaving the switch incomplete.
Eze's Emotional Connection to Nigeria
Despite being born in England and ultimately choosing to represent the Three Lions, Pinnick emphasized that Eberechi Eze maintained strong emotional ties to Nigeria. "Very positively, Eberechi Eze, trust me, he loves Nigeria, he actually did. I was going through my messages with him at some point," Pinnick revealed, suggesting the player's genuine affection for his ancestral homeland.
Eze has since established himself with the England national team, making his senior debut against Malta and scoring three goals in sixteen appearances. His decision represents another chapter in the ongoing competition between Nigeria and England for dual-eligibility talents.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Football
Pinnick's revelations come as he has proposed long-term solutions to structural challenges within Nigerian football administration. The former NFF president has advocated for the federal government to assume full responsibility for paying national team coaches, with their salaries included in the national budget. This formalization, Pinnick believes, would prevent payment disputes and ensure timely compensation for both coaches and players.
The case of Eberechi Eze highlights the complex dynamics of international football recruitment, where administrative efficiency, personal connections, and timing play crucial roles in determining where talented dual-eligibility players ultimately commit their international careers.
