FG formally endorses Pinnick’s FIFA Council bid

THE Nigerian government has formally given its backing to Amaju Pinnick in his bid to get a seat on the FIFA Council.

The Nigeria Football Federation President is seeking to become the third person from his country to be on the world football body’s main decision-making council.

Chief Oyo Orok Oyo and Dr Amos Adamu had previously been on FIFA’S Executive Committee, which has been rebranded as the FIFA Council.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Nebolisa Anako, addressed a press conference in Abuja on Thursday to announce the Federal Government’s decision.

“When the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Mr. Amaju Pinnick informed the minister of his intention to fly Nigeria’s flag in the upcoming FIFA Council election, the minister assured him that the Federal Government and indeed all Nigerians would lend their support,” Anako, representing sports minister Sunday Dare, said.

 “Amaju’s bid is not just for Nigeria, but Africa’s quest to assert her position as a strong voice in world football. 

“Amaju’s ambition will further reposition  Nigeria in the global football map where we have made remarkable inroads. If he  wins, it would not just be a victory for the  Federal Government and Nigerians alone, but the entire African continent. He would be a great ambassador in the FIFA Council.”

Pinnick already has wide reach and experience in football administration having also been on the CAF executive committee.

 “As a member of CAF executive, Pinnick is aware of the task ahead and must  appreciate the Federal Govermment’s  support to the actualisation of his dream,” Anako added.

“On behalf of  the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, and all Nigerians, we hereby pledge our  unflinching support to Pinnick because his victory would be our collective victory. Let us all rally  round him so that we can have a strong voice in world football which would create  ripple effects on our football Development.

“We believe Amaju can  use his position and connections in CAF and FIFA to help promote and develop Nigeria and Africa football  in all ramifications. Let us be resolute in our support. The minister, like other Nigerians, would be elated to see Nigerians aspire and win such exalted offices and be among the very best in the world. 

“This is the only way our country and the African continent  can have a say in the committee of football playing nations. This is no time to stand on the fence, but to be partakers in the scheme of things. While  wishing Amaju victory, we assure him of all needed support to  make this dream a reality.”

The election to decide the African members on the FIFA Council, as well as the Confederation of African Football presidential elections, will be held in Morocco on 12 March.