Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick has openly discussed his influence over player selection during his tenure, specifically revealing his role in ensuring Ahmed Musa was included in the Super Eagles squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at the recently concluded 2024 CAF Awards in Morocco, Pinnick recounted an interesting moment when Musa’s participation was in jeopardy due to limited playing time at Leicester City.
While speaking on his role in Lookman’s switch from England, Pinnick stated that just weeks before the World Cup, Musa was facing potential exclusion from the national team.
When I was in the NFF, I recall when even Ahmed Musa was about to be dropped from going to two, three matches to the World Cup because he wasn’t playing for Leicester and had a lot of issues,” he said in a video posted by OJB Sports.
He intervened with then-coach Gernot Rohr, insisting that Musa must participate in an upcoming international friendly, stating, “This is my own (in Delta we call it) slot. He must go, let him be the 24th player.”
To Pinnick’s satisfaction, Musa went on to become a key player for Nigeria during the tournament, scoring fantastic goals, including a memorable double against Iceland.
Reflecting further on this outcome, Pinnick noted, “Guess what? Musa was the hero at the World Cup. I am not giving myself credit but there are some things that God just imputed in me to say.”
This revelation has sparked discussions about favouritism and the complexities surrounding player selection for national teams.
Pinnick’s admission highlights not only his influence but also confirmed questions about the integrity of selection processes within football federations.
While Musa’s impactful performance at the World Cup stands as a testament to Pinnick’s decision, his bombshell revelation shed light on the behind-the-scenes decisions that can significantly impact players’ careers and national pride.
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