President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick says the football body under his leadership did all they could to lure England rave of the moment Bukayo Saka to play for Nigeria .
Around this time last year, Pinnick said the NFF won’t beg the Arsenal teen sensation to play for Nigeria as he believe they can unearth players of his level locally here in Nigeria.
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.”
He has now backtracked on that statement after seeing Saka’s performance for England at the ongoing European Championship. He claim they did all they could to lure him to Nigeria.
“ We did all we could for Saka to commit to Nigeria and I mean it. Spoke with his parents, agent and even the player himself but it was clear he has his mind made up. We can only wish him a successful career at club and national level”.
