Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze was once close to joining the Super Eagles, according to former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, Footynaija.com reports.
The player, born in Greenwich to Nigerian parents, developed through English clubs including Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace before moving to the Emirates in August 2025.
Eze had trained with the Nigerian team at youth level and was eligible to represent the country because of his heritage. Pinnick confirmed that in 2019 discussions were held with the Arsenal midfielder and his family about a potential switch.
Related Post
“I met the dad, we had a long and very beautiful discussion and he had agreed,” Pinnick said via a report by Daily Post.
The talks included meetings at Pinnick’s flat and reviewing the necessary documentation. At that stage, Eze’s sister, who manages him, was also involved in the discussions.
The decision to pursue Nigeria coincided with Eze’s rise in English football. He had represented England at Under‑20 and Under‑21 levels, making appearances in the Elite League and European Under‑21 Championship qualifiers.
These call‑ups provided an alternative international pathway that eventually became his chosen route. Pinnick noted that Eze had expressed a positive view towards Nigeria.
“Very positively. Eberechi Eze, trust me, he loves Nigeria, he actually did. I was going through my messages with him at some point,” the former NFF president said.
Timing played a role in the talks not reaching completion. Pinnick left the federation following elections, which paused the process. Eze continued his development at Palace before his move to Arsenal.
The midfielder has made more than twenty appearances for the Gunners in the 2025‑26 season, contributing goals and assists across competitions, including Carabao Cup matches that recently saw the club reach the final yesterday.
At senior level, Eze chose to commit to England. He made his debut for the Three Lions in a Euro 2024 qualifier in June 2023.
