NFF president reacts to Ebere Eze’s switch of allegiance

Eggheads of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are hopeful of persuading English-born midfielder Ebere Eze to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles after he met with federation president Amaju Pinnick in London.

The 21-year-old plies his trade with Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship and has played Under-21 football for the land of his birth, but is being tempted by a switch to Nigeria.

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President of NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick has met with QPR midfielder Ebere Eze in London and conversation is ongoing about the possibility of Eze turning out for Nigeria. 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. Today Ebere Eze also visited President Pinnick in the latter’s 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. Talks are ongoing but the player has requested for the chance to continue to focus on his club career which is going well so far, and that further progress will be made in due course.

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Pinnick confirms that he spoke to the player and his family and that he asked for more time to consider his position.

“We need to make a solid representation at Qatar 2022 and it starts with improving on your squad with quality players like Eze,” Pinnick told the BBC.

“Can you imagine a midfield with Ndidi, Aribo, Etebo, and Eze? it is one that will improve our squad.

“I had a positive meeting with Ebere Eze in London and I spoke to his parents as well,” said Pinnick. He requested for the chance to continue to focus on his club career which is going well so far, and that further progress will be made in due course.

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“But I am confidently hopeful that he will play for Nigeria soon.”

Nigeria recently lost out in their bid to lure Tammy Abraham away from England, but are hopeful over Eze, who has plenty of admirers in the Premier League.