NFF President, Amaju Pinnick met with Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger who assured him of total co-operation whenever it pertained to the club’s youngsters who are of Nigerian descent.
Pinnick met with Wenger at the Frenchman’s office at Arsenal training ground, accompanied by NFF’s Special Envoy on International Affairs, Tunde Adelakun.
After the meeting described as “extremely positive and encouraging”, Mr Adelakun said: 'As we had always known, Arsene is very knowledgeable; vast in his knowledge and appreciation of Nigeria as a footballing country, and widely philosophical in his general approach.
'He told me that he has never stopped any player from opting for whichever national team he wants. He said to me that he always tells his players to follow their hearts and not allow people to push them. He further assured that if Nigeria extended a call-up to either or both of his players, he will have no objection if the players say they want to go.'
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He also disclosed that Arsene Wenger offered to help in “the process of rebuilding the country’s football,” when charged by Pinnick.
'Arsene told us that he will gladly do what he can to assist where we want, and has already started giving encouraging signs towards the capacity building exercises for our coaches at all levels.'
Arsenal has in its ranks several Nigerian youngsters including Chuba Akpom, Semi Ajayi who grew up in England and can for the country