Pinnick Opens Up On Why Eberechi Eze Ignored Nigeria

Pinnick Opens Up On Why Eberechi Eze Ignored Nigeria

Sampson Adedeji

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Melvin Pinnick has revealed the circumstances surrounding Eberechi Eze’s decision to represent England instead of Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking on ThePlayzone and Dangolo Way podcast, Pinnick disclosed that significant progress had been made in convincing the Crystal Palace star to commit his international future to the Super Eagles.

 According to Pinnick, discussions with Eze and his family were extensive and positive. “Eberechi Eze came, we had a long discussion. I met the father, and we had a long and very meaningful conversation, during which he expressed his agreement,” Pinnick said.

He further explained that the process was already advanced, with documentation prepared and agreements reached. “The sister manages him. They came to my flat, we had agreed, put all the documentations and he said we should hold on and that was it. Elections came and I left the NFF.”

Pinnick insisted that the decision was not driven by a lack of love for Nigeria, stressing that Eze maintained strong emotional ties to the country.

“Very positively, Eberechi Eze, trust me, he loves Nigeria, he actually did. I was going through my messages with him at some point.”

Eberechi Eze, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, eventually chose to represent the Three Lions at international level, despite strong interest from Nigeria during Pinnick’s tenure at the NFF.