NFF Boss Pinnick Pays Surprise Visit to Iheanacho, Ndidi and Etebo in UK, Urges Ex-Man United Star To Return

• NFF president Amaju Pinnick was in the United Kingdom over the weekend to visit some Nigerian stars
• Among those who received the country's FA boss are Ndidi and Etebo who are currently out injured but Iheanacho also saw him
• Pinnick also gave an update as regard Ademola Lookman who is eager to represent the Super Eagles after his youth journey with the English team

FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers remained one of the key topics Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick discussed when he paid Super Eagles stars in the United Kingdom a visit over the weekend.

Although he was unable to see eye-to-eye with most of the Nigerians in the country, he however stopped by at Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo's home.

Both players have been out of action for some time due to varying injury concerns but the football administrator has good news about both stars as they seem to be recuperating quite well.

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Pinnick felt the need to give these players a visit owing to their importance to the national team project especially now that they are injured.

Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheancho joined up in the chit-chat after helping the Foxes outclass Brentford in last weekend's EPL encounter.

What Amaju Pinnick said

The NFF boss shared the content of their chat on his Instagram page:

"I spent quality time with Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Ihenacho in Leicester over the weekend. I went with my wife and 3 of my kids who are on half term break. Our visit was a mere family visit and not official.

"Recall Wilfred is recuperating from an injury that has kept him out for about 5 weeks, being a very key player for the Super Eagles, we cannot afford to toy with our last 2 games.

"Ndidi has been integral, committed and passionate member of the Super Eagles. The good news is that his second scan came out very good so he start training with his club and possibly play in their next game.

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"His wife, Dinma was a wonderful host, their little daughter, adorable. Kelechi joined us almost immediately and made us to laugh till we left. Thanks to Wilfred & Kelechi, my family truly appreciate you.

"I also paid a visit to Oghenekaro Etebo, in Warri, we call him 'Afaras'. He is also recuperating very well but definitely cannot make the next two World Cup qualifiers, Nations Cup might also be a doubt, importantly he should heal 100% by His Grace and re-join the Team.

"His family was quite warm and pleasant. We had quality time together and understood every language uttered as 2 proud Warri 'boys'. He is in a great spirit with the right mental state of mind."

He couldn't see Everton winger Alex Iwobi, but he revealed that they spoke about the remaining World Cup qualifications next month.

"I spoke extensively with Alex Iwobi, who cannot wait to feature in those all important games."

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Pinnick also gave progress report on Ademola Lookman's switch to Nigeria having already represented England at youth levels.

"Ademola Lookman is excited about fighting for a shirt in the Super Eagles. He loves Nigeria. By His Grace we shall conclude the switch very soon."

Super Eagles attack is filled with youngsters and the NFF chief believes there's need for experience, hence, he has been in contact with Saudi-based Odion Ighalo over a change of heart after retiring in 2019.

"I had a long conversation with Odion Ighalo, personally I believe we need experience in our attack to combine with our energetical youthful Osinmeh, Onuachu, Kelechi et al. Odion body language is very positive."

"We are also in touch with his agents and club. The vibe going into these last 2 games and indeed AFCON is very good."

Nigeria have nine points from four World Cup qualification matches so far and a win for them would seal their progress to the next round.

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How much is Odion Ighalo worth?

Legit.ng earlier reported that Al-Shabab of Saudi Arabia striker Odion Ighalo is having a net worth of N16 billion according to the latest statistics by News24baze.

It was gathered that the former Nigerian international earned a weekly wage of 45,000 pounds per week (N21, 994,091) from 2014 to 2017 during his time with English club Watford.

Further reports claim that during his spell with Premier League giants Manchester United, Ighalo was paid 8,000 pounds every.