Alexander Iwobi has been confirmed to be negative of the coronavirus and will be available for selection for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, in today’s AFCON qualifying game against Lesotho.
This was confirmed on Tuesday, by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick.
According to Amaju Melvin Pinnick, Alexander Iwobi missed the game against the Squirrels of Benin Republic, after it was suspected that the Everton star might have contracted the virus, which later turned out to be false. He was thereafter transported by boat to Nigeria from the Benin Republic for a proper medical examination and to avoid being quarantined in Benin, if truly he was positive.
“Last Saturday was a difficult day for Alexander Iwobi & 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,” Amaju Melvin Pinnick said.
The NFF President continued:
“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.
Thank you so much, sirs. 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 received from CAF and it means he is cleared to play. Finally, we are extremely grateful for the support from Nigerians always. Thank you,” he added.