Pinnick says World Cup qualification is non-negotiable after meeting Dennis, Lookman and others

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) boss has reiterated the importance of next month’s playoffs against the Black Stars of Ghana

NFF president Amaju Pinnick has said that World Cup qualification is a must for Nigeria. The Super Eagles meet West African rivals Ghana in a two-legged World Cup playoffs next month for a chance to play in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Pinnick knows the implication of missing out on the biggest sporting event in the world and has said it is important the three-time African champions qualify for the showpiece in November.

The NFF president said this in a series of tweets after meeting some Super Eagles players, including Ademola Lookman and Emmanuel Dennis.

The meeting, which also had the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare in attendance via zoom, also served as a clear the air talk after Nigeria’s disappointing second-round exit in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Pinnick’s statement read: In furtherance to my tweets regarding our plans to ensure we qualify for this year’s @FIFAWorldCup in Qatar, we’ve held a series of meetings in London with our Super Eagles players. It was me, the team secretary, the coach & technical adviser of the team.

The Ministry of Youth & Sports Development, led by the Honourable Minister, @SundayDareSD also had a zoom meeting with over 30 players of the Super Eagles squad. Aside the chance to introduce the new members of the coaching crew to the team, it was also a chance to have “clear the air” talks.

Good evening, Nigeria.

In furtherance to my tweets regarding our plans to ensure we qualify for this year’s @FIFAWorldCup in Qatar, we’ve held a series of meetings in London with our Super Eagles players. It was me, the team secretary, the coach & technical adviser of the team.

— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) February 15, 2022

And I’m so proud of the commitment and zeal I’m seeing and getting from the team. From players like Etebo, Kelechi, Troost & new lad, Lookman, the message was & is clear; we will play at the World Cup and give a good account of ourselves.

We are not going to Qatar to make up the numbers. We are going to give it our best shot. I’d like to, again, thank the Honourable Minister, @SundayDareSD. It might sound like a broken record at this point, but his support is truly massive.

From ensuring we get the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, to joining in the zoom call with over 30 members of the National Team, his energy is truly infectious.

Again. Make no mistake. World Cup qualification is non-negotiable. We are putting all of our efforts on getting the ticket.

Your prayers and support are invaluable in this regard. God willing, we will achieve our goals because we will not relent. God bless Nigeria & God bless us all. Goodnight.

The Super Eagles will take on the Black Stars in Accra on March 23 in the first leg before hosting their West African rivals for the second leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium four days later.

The winner across the two legs will join four other African teams as the continent’s representatives in Qatar 2022 World Cup.