Pinnick Gives Name Of FIFA Confirmed Players For Nigeria Switch

Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick has confirmed been aware of Reading midfielder Ovie Ejaria as the only player cleared so far by FIFA to switch allegiance to Nigeria.

Last week, there were reports in the local media that eight overseas-born players, including Ejaria, were granted permission by the world body to play for the Super Eagles.

The other seven players include Fulham forward Ademola Lookman, Jordan Torunarigha, who plays Hertha in Germany, Southampton’s Nathan Tella, Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham), Noni Madueke (PSV), Sheyi Ojo of Cardiff City, and forward Ike Ugbo, who is on loan at Cercle Brugge from English giants Chelsea.

“Ovie Ejaria has been cleared by FIFA to play for us (Nigeria), that I can confirm to you, I’m not aware of the others,” Pinnick told The PUNCH.

Ejaria, 23, was born in England to Nigerian parents and represented the Europeans at age grade levels, winning the U-20 World Cup with them in 2017.

“If you want to play for the Super Eagles, you have to write to the federation informing them of your intention,” Pinnick added.

“If the others have applied to play for us, no problem, their letters will get to my table.”