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 .
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.
“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.”
