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Former President Amaju Pinnick lifts the lid on Ademola Lookman's international switch from England to Nigeria.
Former Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President Amaju Pinnick has opened up about the important role he played in facilitating Ademola Lookman's switch from England to Nigeria, a move that has now been validated with Lookman's recent crowning as the 2024 CAF Player of the Year.
In a video shared on social media platform X, Pinnick detailed the behind-the-scenes efforts he undertook during his time as President to ensure Lookman could represent the Super Eagles.
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19:15 - 18.12.2024
‘Ahmed Musa was my slot' — Ex-NFF President Pinnick admits to Super Eagles selection manipulation
Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick revealed the role he played in Ahmed Musa's selection in the Super Eagles team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Reflecting on the process, Pinnick recounted how he rushed to Ikoyi Club to meet Lookman's father in order to secure necessary documents for the international switch.
"I recall just before he (Lookman) played his first game for Nigeria, there were documents/correspondence he needed,” he stated.
“I had to rush to Ikoyi Club to meet his dad in ensuring I got it personally," Pinnick explained.
Speaking further on Lookman’s emergence as Africa’s latest king, he noted that while many reached out to him regarding the role he played, he wanted the transition to be "organic" and not influenced by external pressures.
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“I didn’t want to sway (the votes), i wanted it to be quite organic. A lot of people called me to talk about this, the role i played. I didn’t want this, i wanted it to be organic.”
Pinnick's efforts contributed significantly to Lookman's successful integration into the national team. After previously representing England at youth levels, Lookman made his competitive debut for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Ghana in 2022.
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His decision to switch allegiances was influenced by limited opportunities with England's senior squad.
Pinnick expressed pride in Lookman's achievements, especially following his recognition as Africa's top player.
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“Thank God everything went well. Like I said, we are all very proud of him but this should be a tonic for greater things to come for him,” he added.
Lookman's rise to prominence not only highlights his individual talent but also underscores the importance of strategic player recruitment by the NFF during Pinnick's tenure.
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The former NFF chief has been a strong advocate for attracting players with dual nationality, successfully bringing several talents into the Super Eagles fold.
Pinnick's reflections serve as a reminder of the processes involved in national team selection and the impact of dedicated leadership within football federations.
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