NFF boss Pinnick reveals the role he played to prevent Iwobi from being quarantined in Republic of Benin

Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has revealed the role he played to prevent Alex Iwobi from being quarantined in the Republic of Benin after returning a 'positive COVID-19 result' in the hours leading up to the Super Eagles' Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Squirrels.

Pinnick has thanked high-ranking government and military officials for the part they played to forestall the Everton winger getting isolated in Cotonou.

The Nigeria Football Federation have received Iwobi's medical clearance from Africa's football regulator, CAF, meaning he is cleared to face Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium this evening.

Writing on Twitter, Iwobi said : "Last Saturday was a difficult day for Alex Iwobi and his family, after the news broke that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus ahead of the away game against the Squirrels of Benin Republic.

"The fear of Iwobi being quarantined was real and worrying so I took the responsibility of consulting with every relevant authority to get him to travel out of Benin by boat about 7:30pm, to forestall him getting isolated there.

"And to the glory of God, after further tests in Lagos, it was confirmed that Iwobi was not infected with the COVID-19 virus.

"Naturally, we are all relieved and excited about this. It would be very remiss of me to forget to thank the Honourable Minister of Information & Culture, Lai Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the D-G of the DSS and Rear Admiral Barabutemegha Gbassa, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, for their consistent calls to ensure we were alright, as we came into Lagos via Ilase, through the creeks."

Iwobi did not train with the Super Eagles squad in their final workout on Monday evening as he was isolating and awaiting the outcome of his test results.

Igho Kingsley

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