Pinnick expresses fulfillment despite losing FIFA Council seat
Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, is relishing his ascendancy in football administration from Delta State, Nigeria, to the global scene, despite losing his seat on the FIFA Council on Wednesday, The PUNCH reports.
Pnnick fell short by just one vote during the 14th Extraordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football in Cairo on Wednesday.
The ex-NFF boss, who was seeking re-election to the 37-member FIFA Council, garnered 28 votes, narrowly missing the threshold achieved by Souleiman Waberi of Djibouti, who secured the fifth and final spot with 29 votes.
The closely contested election saw Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa emerging as the clear frontrunner with 49 votes, whilst Egypt’s Hani Abou Rida and Niger Republic’s Djibrilla Hima Hamidou tied for second place with 35 votes each.
Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Djibouti’s Waberi completed the list of successful candidates with 29 votes apiece.
“When I started 26 years ago, as a volunteer at the FIFA U-20 World Cup that Nigeria hosted, I never dreamed of reaching these heights,” Pinnick said after the election.
“Never thought I could become the number one administrator of football in Nigeria (and for eight years for that matter), play key roles in African football and easily mingle with the world’s top football governors.
“I have only gratitude to give to the Almighty God, to those who have helped me one way or the other and to all those I met on my way.
“Football politics is fierce, but I am proud to have fought a good fight. I campaigned hard; and travelled to more than 30 countries.
“Hours before the election, I was sure of close to 40 votes. But politics happened. I am not bitter about anything, just full of gratitude to everyone who supported my push.”
Pinnick also thanked President Bola Tinubu, the NFF and chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko for backing him.
“I am drawn to tears by the support of President Tinubu, right from the time he publicly endorsed my candidature. I am most grateful and do not take anything for granted. “I cherish my relationship with Gianni (Infantino) and appreciate his sincerity. I thank the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko.
“The NFF, particularly Ibrahim Musa Gusau, were amazing in their push. Kudos also to my friends in government and the corporate world.
“I was to be no more than the head of the NFF electoral committee back in 2014, but fate catapulted me to the presidency, and I became the youngest-ever Nigerian in world football’s supreme council. I am more than fulfilled.”
Meanwhile, CAF president Patrice Motsepe, who was unchallenged for a second term, will retain his automatic seat on the FIFA Council as stipulated by the organisation’s regulations. Africa holds seven seats on the FIFA Council, with one automatically reserved for the CAF President and another designated for a female representative.
The newly elected members will serve on the FIFA Council, which is responsible for setting the vision for global football development and making decisions on key aspects of the international game.
