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Pinnick Reveals Why Eberechi Eze Missed Out on Super Eagles Switch

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Former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has explained why Arsenal attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze did not end up playing for the Super Eagles.

Eze, who came through the Queens Park Rangers academy, is now fully tied to England and was part of the Three Lions squad at the 2024 European Championship.

Nigeria first made a move for the talented midfielder in March 2017, when he was invited to train with the Super Eagles ahead of a friendly match against Burkina Faso. However, the game was later cancelled, denying Nigeria the chance to hand him a competitive appearance.

  • Eric Chelle at the Press Conference after Nigeria Super Eagles B loss to SudanEric Chelle at the Press Conference after Nigeria Super Eagles B loss to Sudan

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During his time as NFF president, Pinnick actively pushed for the recruitment of players with dual nationality. His efforts helped convince players such as Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Joe Aribo, Semi Ajayi and Josh Maja to choose Nigeria over England.

Pinnick said his interest in Eze grew stronger ahead of Nigeria’s 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana. He revealed that he held a private meeting with the Crystal Palace star at his home in London to discuss a possible switch.

According to Pinnick, Eze was close to committing his international future to Nigeria before changes within the football federation disrupted the process. He said talks had progressed well and involved detailed discussions with the player and his family.

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Pinnick explained that Eze, alongside his father and sister who manages his career, had agreed in principle, but asked for time as administrative changes and elections at the NFF took place. Soon after, Pinnick left office and the move did not progress further.

He added that Eze has a strong affection for Nigeria and was positive about representing the country.

Since making his senior debut for England in a European Championship qualifier against Malta, Eze has scored three goals in 16 appearances for the national team.

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3 mistakes Tony Khan must avoid on this week’s AEW Dynamite

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Tony Khan will present tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite from Las Vegas this week. The show will take place at the Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort, and fans have high expectations for it. AEW has announced a stacked lineup of stars for the show, including some big-time matches featuring top AEW names.

As of now, Tony Khan has announced four big showdowns for the event. Hangman Page will take on Mark Davis in a singles clash. Apart from that, Andrade and Kenny Omega will also square off in a big matchup. Moreover, MJF will take on Brody King in an AEW World Title Eliminator Match. Additionally, Jack Perry and Ricochet will also clash over the AEW National Title. There are several other top stars like Kris Statlander and Jon Moxley expected to appear on the show.

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In this article, let’s take a look at 3 mistakes Tony Khan must avoid on this week’s AEW Dynamite:

#3. A clear decision for the Andrade and Kenny Omega match

Andrade will face Kenny Omega tonight on AEW Dynamite. It is a much-anticipated showdown between the two stars following El Idolo’s attack on The Cleaner on Dynamite’s 6th Anniversary last year. However, both stars are brimming with momentum as of late in the Jacksonville-based promotion. Besides, Andrade and Omega are top contenders for the AEW World Championship.

Therefore, Tony Khan can create a solid storyline involving the two stars down the line. However, a defeat to any one of them could destroy their momentum. Hence, instead of giving this match a clear closure, there should be a screwed ending for this showdown. It would help Khan to keep this feud open without affecting anyone’s credibility and momentum in the company.

#2. No follow-up on Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford’s title quest

Last week, on AEW Dynamite, Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford came down the aisle to give a staredown to the AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander and the AEW World Women’s Tag Team Champions Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron. That moment alone shone a massive spotlight on Bayne and Ford, sparking interest from a lot of fans in their work down the line.

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However, if Tony Khan did not give any follow-up to that intense staredown, it would make last week’s segment meaningless. Instead, the AEW President should book Bayne and Ford in some sort of confrontation with The Babes of Wrath and Kris Statlander. Besides, fans have been clamoring to see Megan chase the AEW Women’s World Title. Therefore, it sets up a golden opportunity for AEW to build Megan Bayne to the top.

#1. Another loss to Jack Perry on AEW Dynamite

Jack Perry will challenge the champion Ricochet for the AEW National Championship tonight on AEW Dynamite. It is a rematch between the two stars after their last title match on 31 December 2025, AEW Dynamite. Perry made his return to AEW last year following a prolonged hiatus. However, he has not achieved anything big since then in the company.

He has already faced a defeat against Ricochet on Dynamite, and another loss could heavily impact his credibility. Therefore, Tony Khan should crown Perry a new National Champion tonight. The Lightskin Kingpin has already managed to have a decent run with the title. The Scapegoat has the potential to heavily elevate the prestige of the championship down the line.