FIFA COUNCIL ELECTION: FG CONGRATULATES AMAJU PINNICK FOR BEING A WORTHY AMBASSADOR

"You ran a good race; You put up a good fight and the nation is very proud of you. Congratulations for being a good ambassador of the country."

These were the words of National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko while congratulating former FIFA Council member Amaju Melvin Pinnick after his narrow loss at the 14th Extraordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

In Dikko's estimation, the loss is not a reflection of Pinnick's performance or capabilities but basically due to the politics that has nothing to do with football.  This led to Pinnick losing over 12 votes from the projected 40 votes by his campaign team on the eve of the election. Earlier projections would have comfortably seen him reelected.  

His words, "On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who threw his full weight behind your candidacy since July 2024 and thus sent myself, the NSC DG Hon. Bukula Olapade and indeed the full complement of Nigeria Foreign Affairs Ministry and other state institutions in support of the candidacy, I must commend you for your performance at the pinnacle of world football administration. Your tenure has really rubbed off positively on Nigerian football. 

"The efforts you have put into advancing Nigerian football for the past 11 years from being NFF President, WAFU Vice President, CAF Exco Member to 1st Vice-President of CAF and FIFA Council Member is well appreciated and you still have more to contribute. Most notably you facilitated over 20 Nigerians to join you across WAFU, CAF and FIFA positions. These compatriots are still contributing immensely to the development of football across the globe and making Nigeria proud, all thanks to your facilitation, patriotism, selfless service and shared prosperity vision. There is no doubt that your wealth of experience will continuously suffice in the quest to make Nigeria a consistent global football force and your legacy will remain indelible and history will be very kind to you."

Mallam Dikko further congratulated CAF President Patrice Motsepe for his unopposed reelection for another four year term. While reassuring Motsepe of Nigeria's continued support in the development of African football, he expressed high expectations that football in the continent will record even greater strides during Motsepe's second term. 

"One good term deserves another. Motsepe did so well in his first term advancing African football positively and his reelection is only a due reward for his efforts", he said. 

The NSC helmsman also applauded FIFA President Giani Infantino for the exceptional work he is doing for football globally and for being a friend of Nigerian football. He assured him of the nation's continued support as the NSC looks forward to March 18, 2025 for the ground breaking ceremony of the latest FIFA Project in Nigeria (the expansion of NFF Technical Centre) located within the MKO Abiola Stadium and further affirmed that Nigeria will continue to be a good partner to FIFA.

"I must also congratulate our friends who were elected into FIFA council for the term 2025-2029, Mr. Hani Abou Rida (Egypt), Fouzi  Lekjaa (Morocco), Djibrilla Hima Hamidou (Niger), Souleiman Waberi (Djibouti), Ahmed Yahya  (Mauritania) and Mrs Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros)", he concluded. 

Pinnick, who was seeking re-election to the 37-member FIFA Council, amassed 28 votes, just one vote short of Souleiman Waberi of Djibouti, and Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania who both secured the fourth and fifth  spots with 29 votes each.

Signed 

Ajayi Kehinde (Mrs)

Director (Information and PR)

NSC

14/3/25