NFF won’t beg Arsenal’s Saka to play for Nigeria - Amaju Pinnick

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick has revealed that the football governing body will not beg Arsenal star player Bukayo Saka to play for Nigeria.

According to Pinnick, the era of pleading with players to feature for the national team is over as the country is blessed with talent and he will not beg 18 year old Bukayo Saka or any player to represent the Super Eagles.

Saka has been in fine form since breaking into Arsenal’s first team and this season he has become a key member of Mikel Arteta’s side scoring four goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions this season.

Saka was born in England to Nigerian parents and has represented England at U16, U17, U18 and U19 levels but is still eligible to play for Nigeria.

Pinnick has failed in the past to persuade Chelsea players Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori to play for Nigeria, despite traveling to the European country to convince the players.
According to Pinnick, in the case of Saka, the NFF has plenty players that can play his position, and though he’s a good player the NFF won’t beg him to play.

“Saka is an excellent prospect but we have other players in his position who are playing so well,” Pinnick said in an Instagram Live chat.

“We have talents everywhere so we won’t beg people to play for Nigeria. It is about ardour and fervour, If it’s their desire and they merit it, they’ll be given a chance to represent Nigeria.”