Nigerian Federation Chief Pinnick Likens Arsenal's Saka To A Goldfish With No Hiding Place
Published: April 06, 2020Nigerian Federation President Amaju Pinnick had nothing but praise for Arsenal wonderkid Bukayo Saka as he spoke about foreign-trained players who can add value to the Nigerian national teams instead of other countries securing their services.
Pinnick has likened the Hale End Academy product to a goldfish with no hiding place, saying the winger does not need to lobby before he is invited to the Super Eagles.
Since the experienced Delta State administrator became the Nigeria Football Federation boss, foreign-trained players such as William Troost-Ekong, Carl Ikeme, Ola Aina, Brian Idowu, Joe Aribo, Maduka Okoye, Tyronne Ebuehi and Josh Maja have chosen to pledge their international futures to Nigeria over their countries of birth.
In an interview with GoldMyneTV, Pinnick stated : "A lot of people call me, 'I have a boy that is very good, he's 21, he's an exceptional player, he can fit in into any team'.
"The first thing I say to them is that it's a lie. Once a player is exceptional, it's like a goldfish that has no hiding place.
"If you see somebody like Bukayo Saka for example, do you need anybody to sell that player? You don't need anybody.
"There are shortage of good players globally, so once a player is exceptional that player is a goldfish and he's surrounded by people that have interests immediately."
"The first thing I say to them is that it's a lie. Once a player is exceptional, it's like a goldfish that has no hiding place.
"If you see somebody like Bukayo Saka for example, do you need anybody to sell that player? You don't need anybody.
"There are shortage of good players globally, so once a player is exceptional that player is a goldfish and he's surrounded by people that have interests immediately."
The 18-year-old Saka has established himself as a first team regular for Arsenal this season despite the presence of more experienced players, making 29 appearances in all competitions.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : arsenal.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Latest News
- 5 goals, 6 assists: Ndidi takes his goal involvement to 11 as Leicester City beat West Brom
- Asemota saves another penalty; Obi-Martin breaks club record as Arsenal U18s beat Aston Villa
- Introducing Princess Ademiluyi: The Super Falcons-eligible forward who made West Ham debut at 16
- Wrexham face PL, Championship competition for Arsenal-owned League Two best GK Okonkwo
- Nelson Semedo out: Son of 2003 African Games star, Okoduwa in line to make PL history v Arsenal
- Super Falcons-eligible midfielder left out of Chelsea's squad to face Barcelona despite training with first team
- West Ham, Crystal Palace ready to challenge Serie A giants Juventus for Leicester ace Ndidi
- 2024 Super Eagles invitee attracting interest from Tottenham, Fulham and Aston Villa
- 'Simply phenomenal' - Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh names the best coach in the world
- Manu Garba impressed with Golden Eaglets midfield pre-U17 WAFU B, identifies three positions to fortify
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football