Pinnick gets Nigerian government’s backing for CAF position

NFF president Amaju Pinnick
Pinnick

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) boss, Amaju Pinnick, has finally received the backing of the Federal Government for the forthcoming Confederation of African Football  (CAF) elections.

Pinnick is hoping to become only the third Nigerian after the late Oyo Orok Oyo and Amos Adamu to make it into the executive committee of Africa’s football body.

The Delta-born administrator will challenge Beninoise Anjorin Moucharafou for a seat in the supreme club for football administration in Africa, at the 39th Ordinary Congress of CAF in Addis Ababa on March 16.

Pinnick’s candidature has been in doubt with top football stakeholders kicking against his decision to run for the position.

But the Nigerian government through the Youth and Sports Ministry endorsed the candidature of the NFF supremo in a meeting at the National Stadium, Abuja, Tuesday.

Pinnick was also given the go ahead to vote for the candidate who will best serve Nigeria’s footballing interest in the CAF presidency.

Incumbent Issa Hayatou is in the running for the eight time and is being  challenged by Madagascar FA boss, Ahmad Ahmad, who is backed by Pinnick.

The meeting also resolved that other stakeholders in Nigerian Football who have recommendations should tender same through the NFF and not in the media.

The session was attended by all members of the NFF executive committee, except Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande and Chidi Ofo Okenwa, who forwarded apologies for absence.