Wenger pledges co-operation with NFF, as Pinnick meets Nigerian players in Diaspora

THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Wednesday revealed that its president, Amaju Pinnick, held an ‘extremely positive and encouraging’ meeting with Manager of English Premiership side, Arsenal FC, Mr. Arsene Wenger on Tuesday.

   According to a release by the Federation, Wenger met with Pinnick in his office at Arsenal FC’s training ground, where they discussed a wide range of issues, including the rising stock of Nigerian-born players at the club such as Chuba Akpom and Semi Ajayi.

  After the meeting, the NFF President, who was accompanied by the new Special Envoy for the Federation on International Affairs, Tunde Adelakun, was quoted as saying: “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 added 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 said, according to the release.

   Pinnick led the charge to Arsenal to enlist Wenger’s support in “the process of rebuilding the country’s football” and he was not disappointed.

   “Arsene told us that he will gladly do what he can to assist where we want, and has already started giving encouraging signs towards the capacity building exercises for our coaches at all levels.”

   The release also reports that the NFF president met with parents of Nigerian footballers based in the United Kingdom, assuring them of their sons’ safety and progress should they choose to wear the colours of Nigeria.

  There is a huge number of Nigerian footballers, many born and raised in the United Kingdom, but who have expressed a desire to play for the Super Eagles.

   According to the NFF release, Pinnick told the players’ parents that “Most of your sons have the option to wait for their chance and play for England, Wales or Scotland and the fact that you are steering them in the direction of playing for their country of origin is laudable and I really appreciate it.”