NFF’s UK trip was not to watch Arsenal, says Pinnick

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick has denied the speculation that he tactically fixed his travel to England over the last weekend so as to enable him attend the Community Shield game between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Wembley in London.

Pinnick was spotted at the Wembley Stadium during the ceremonial EPL season opening game which his favourite club, Arsenal won by a lone goal. And his appearance at the game on a day two of the country’s teams (U-23 Dream Team VI Eagles and Super Falcons) were in action has raised dust back home.

The Super Falcons lost 2-1 away to Equatorial Guinea and missed out on the 2016 Olympics, while the national U-23 team battled to a 0-0 draw in Congo to move to the next stage of the Olympics qualifiers.

However, following reports that Pinnick went on jollification weekend in London, the embattled NFF boss took to twitter to defend himself, claiming that his trip was strictly for business to finalise some sponsorship deals for Nigeria.

“I came into London for meetings with a consortium of would-be sponsors, some requested to see the Head Coach. Aside that, there are a lot of global politics going on and if Nigeria must be accorded her pride of place in global football politics, then we must participate at the highest level,” he clarified.

“No doubt I am an Arsenal fan but I will never relegate my calling at NFF for Arsenal.  When Arsenal was playing against Manchester some months ago, I was on the road to Ibadan to watch 3SC against Rangers,” he said.

He went further: “I appeal for your understanding and prayers, nothing good comes easy. My vision about my mission in NFF is clear and by God’s Grace, we shall get there.”

By Olisemeka Obeche

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