Amaju Pinnick, the president of Nigeria’s FF, stopped off at Arsenal on his way to meet Sepp Blatter.

Taking in the game against Middlesbrough, in which he was able to watch both Arsenal’s Chuba Akpom and Boro’s Kenneth Omeruo and he met their parents after the game.

Also on his agenda was Alex Iwobi who has been released by Arsenal so that he can represent Nigeria’s Olympic Team for the 11th All-Africa Games qualifying match which is set to take place against Gabon in Libreville this weekend.

Speaking to the Daily Trust in Nigeria, Pinnick said

“I was able to see Kenneth Omeruo and Chuba Akpom at the match. I am meeting the parents of a number of these youngsters this time and have plans to meet all of them and also their parents in due course.

“You see, some of them might have represented England at junior level, but they are willing to represent Nigeria at senior level, and that is what we are looking at. We are looking at strengthening our teams at all levels and these players are willing, once we can convince them that there is a new set-up in Nigeria football.”

Arsenal agreed to allow Iwobi to join up with his national team despite the game against Gabon falling outside the designated international window assigned by FIFA.

He will miss FA Youth Cup game against Crewe Youth which is due to take place on Thursday evening (19th Feb) at Boreham Wood that kicks off at 7pm.