Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has reiterated that he will not be running for a third term in office.
Pinnick had appeared to be indecisive in recent months, first declaring he had taken the advice of family and friends not to contest, only to hint last week that he might reconsider.
However, he told Arise TV today that he would rather offer support to whoever succeeds him at the election tentatively scheduled for September, when his current tenure expires.
When asked about his third-term bid during the interview, Pinnick responded: “Third term? No, no, I’m fine and I’m telling you that, as there are so many Nigerians that are competent to run Nigerian football.
“I will assist and work with whoever emerges as the new NFF president and that’s my promise. I’ll intervene but never interfere in the elections.”
The NFF Annual General Assembly that will set the September schedule for the Elective Congress will be held on Thursday in Lagos.
When Pinnick was asked about accusations that he has favoured the Northern part of the country and given positions to them, he offered no apologies and did not deny the claims.
“I don’t regret it,” he said. “The North gave me 98% of my vote in the last elections. I got only three votes from my place. Regardless, I try to bring equity and fairness.”
Pinnick succeeded Aminu Maigari as NFF president in 2014 and his time at the realm has been filled with ups and downs.
While his board has brought in several new sponsors, the body is still far from being financially independent, still relying heavily on finding from the sports ministry.
Also, while the Super Falcons win the 2016 and 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles on his watch, they posted their joint-worst performance in the history of the tournament by finishing fourth in July in Morocco, amid rows and protests over unpaid entitlements.
The Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the first time the team would not attend the tournament since 2006.
