Why Eberechi Eze turned down Super Eagles — Pinnick

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has revealed fresh details on why Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze did not go on to represent the Super Eagles despite early engagement with Nigeria.

Pinnick said Nigeria were close to securing Eze’s international switch when the midfielder was still a teenager, but the player ultimately chose to wait for England, a decision that later shaped his international career.

Switch plans stalled at final stage

Eze, then an 18-year-old at Queens Park Rangers, was invited to Nigeria’s London training camp in March 2017 and was expected to feature in planned friendlies against Senegal and Burkina Faso, which were later cancelled due to security concerns.

According to Pinnick, discussions with Eze and his family had progressed positively, with paperwork already prepared.

“Eberechi Eze came, I met the dad, and we had a long discussion, and he agreed to play for Nigeria,” Pinnick said on the Playzone and Dangolo Way show.

“His sister was his manager at the time, came to my flat, and we already had all the documentation in place.”

However, the process stalled when Eze’s camp asked Nigeria to pause the switch.

“After that, they told us to hold on, and that was it,” Pinnick said. “Possibly, because Eberechi loved Nigeria, I can tell you that.”

England decision ends Nigeria hope

Eze opted to wait for England and eventually made his debut for the Three Lions in 2023, six years after his interaction with the Super Eagles. He has since earned 16 caps, featuring regularly in England squads.

Pinnick suggested timing played a role in the failed switch, noting that changes within the NFF leadership may have affected continuity.

Lookman comparison highlights contrast

The former football administrator also compared Eze’s case with Ademola Lookman, whose allegiance switch to Nigeria was eventually completed after prolonged talks.

“Lookman was very tough… but eventually we got him,” Pinnick said, describing the process as lengthy but successful.

Lookman committed to Nigeria in 2022 and has since become a key figure for the Super Eagles.

Pinnick served as NFF president between October 2014 and October 2022, a period that saw several foreign-born players choose to represent Nigeria.