Pinnick Urges Super Eagles to Channel Club Spirit Ahead of Crucial Qualifiers
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has charged the Super Eagles to bring their full commitment and passion to the upcoming African qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Pinnick urged the players to display the same energy, determination, and professionalism they show in their club sides. He emphasized that national pride should drive the team, especially as the country’s qualification hopes remain alive.
“The only thing you can do is to psyche the players. Let them look at Nigeria, the national morale. Let them be very patriotic on and off the pitch,” Pinnick said.
“Let them give us their best — the same thing they do for their clubs, let them come and do it here.”
Pinnick, who now serves as Deputy Chairperson of FIFA’s Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, revealed that he maintains regular contact with several players to keep their spirits high ahead of the crucial fixtures.
He added:
“One thing I always preach to them—the captain is the coach on the pitch. I am in touch with them because it’s very important that we qualify. I have a strong feeling that we can still qualify. If we beat Lesotho tomorrow and come home to beat Benin, let’s just wait and see.”
Under Pinnick’s leadership, Nigeria qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and his continued involvement shows his enduring passion for Nigerian football.
Opinion: Time for the Eagles to Roar Again
There’s truth in Pinnick’s words — talent alone won’t take the Super Eagles to the next tournament. Nigeria has some of Africa’s brightest stars, but without unity, hunger, and that deep sense of national pride, the magic fades.
The Eagles must remember that they’re not just playing for themselves or their clubs — they’re representing over 200 million people who believe in them. Fans are hungry for a team that fights to the last whistle, that bleeds green and white on the pitch.
The upcoming matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic are more than qualifiers — they’re a test of identity and pride. And like Pinnick said, if the players bring the same passion they show in Europe to the national jersey, Nigeria can — and will — soar again.
