President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has revealed the crucial role he played in preventing Alex Iwobi from being quarantined in Benin Republic last weekend, reports Completesports.com.
The Everton winger returned a positive coronavirus test few hours to Nigeria’s 1-0 win against the Squirrels of Benin at the Stade Charles de Gaulle, Porto-Novo on Saturday.
The 24-year-old was replaced by Henry Onyekuru in the starting line-up.
On Tuesday (today) morning, the Nigeria Football Federation stated that after further tests were conducted the result came out negative.
“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,” Pinnick wrote on his Twitter handle.
Read Also: CAF Clears Iwobi For Super Eagles Vs Lesotho
“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.
“The good news is that Alex Iwobi has been cleared to play in today’s game against Lesotho and can now help the team finish the qualifiers on a high. His medical clearance has been recieved from @CAF_Online & it means he is cleared to play.
”Finally, we are extremely grateful for the support from Nigerians always.”
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COMMENTS
Iwobi had no covid problems. It was all a game.plan by the Beninoise football authority and their government to put the Nigeria camp in disaaray just as they switched off the light to prevent super eagles from training prior o the match.
Today, Benin will not qualify because sierraleaone will defeat them by 2 goals difference
So what will be the punishment of Benin republic for this wicked act?
From CAF, there won’t be any punishment for Benin but for qualification, Benin will be beating by sierra leaone by 2 goals difference
For such evil move by the Benin, what sanction will Caf impose on them ?..this is the time to use your reach in fifa to act accordingly!!
Na to support Sierra Leone today ooo…..
The first Osimhen goal did not look offside to me.
Lovely unselfish play by Osimhen results in the second goal. Nice wan.