KEY POINTS
- During the FIFA Council re-election contest Pinnick lost to Souleiman Waberi of Djibouti through a single vote.
- Although football politics existed Pinnick expressed his gratitude toward the support the NFF administration obtained.
- Pinnick expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu together with Gianni Infantino, Shehu Dikko and Ibrahim Gusau for their entire support.
The former NFF president Amaju Pinnick showed appreciation even though he lost his attempt to win a seat in the FIFA Council.
The Confederation of African Football General Assembly concluded in Cairo when Pinnick lost his final chance for re-election to Souleiman Waberi of Djibouti who received 29 votes as Pinnick obtained 28 votes.
Pinnick after FIFA election loss reflects on his journey
A NFF statement containing Pinnick’s commentary showed his appreciation for his football administrative career since he helped organize the 1999 FIFA U20 World Cup in Nigeria.
Twenty-six years ago at the FIFA U20 World Cup as a volunteer I had no idea I would end up in such top positions. According to his statement he never expected to reach any of these major football positions including becoming the eight-year leading football administrator of Nigeria and the post of top African football executive while connecting easily with global football governor circles.
‘Politics happened’ – Pinnick
During his campaign Pinnick acknowledged football politics intervened against him while campaigning in over 30 countries where he expected to secure about forty votes.
The fierce competition of football politics could not shake my satisfaction with giving my best during the fight. My efforts were strong; I visited more than 30 countries while campaigning.
At the moment before election time I believed there were approximately 40 votes secured. But politics happened. Malik did not show anger toward the situation because he felt only appreciation toward those who supported his campaign efforts.
Appreciation for Tinubu, Dikko, Gusau
Pinnick after FIFA election loss sent heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Tinubu together with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other Nigerian public officials and private backers who supported his candidacy.
My eyes fill with tears when thinking about the public support President Tinubu showed during my candidacy from day one. Pinnick expressed heartfelt gratitude without taking any opportunity lightly after these accomplishments.
The sincerity of Gianni Infantino brings me great joy because I consider him a dear friend. Shehu Dikko stands to receive my appreciation for leading the National Sports Commission (NSC). Ibrahim Musa Gusau of the NFF plus the entire board should take credit for their remarkable efforts. Kudos also to my friends in government and the corporate world.”
‘I am more than fulfilled’
The NFF presidency found Pinnick unexpectedly when fate diverted his original role as electoral committee chairman in 2014 into president.
The original destiny for me was to lead the NFF electoral committee in 2014 until fate intervened and I secured the presidency which made me the youngest member of the world’s supreme council. This position exceeds fulfillment in every way according to him.
