By Akinwale Kasali
Amaju Melvin Pinnick has reflected on his failure to be re=elected at the FIFA Council, saying it is no time to shed tears, but to appreciate God for his grace, mercy and benevolence thus far.
The Delta State born former Football administrator said that his head remains unbowed as he reviewed events that led to his failure to retain his job as a member of the Federation of International Football Associations, FIFA, Council.
He gave accounts of the events that led to the outcome at the Confederation of African Football, CAF, General Assembly in Cairo last Wednesday, where Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi secured the last available seat with 29 votes, at his expense with 28 Votes.
He attributed it to last-minute politics which saw him lose his re-election bid.
He said: “When I started out 26 years ago, as a volunteer at the FIFA U20 World Cup that Nigeria hosted, I never dreamed of reaching these heights. 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 give gratitude to give to the Almighty God, to those who have helped me one way or the other and to all those I have met on my way.
“Football politics is fierce, but I am proud to have fought a good fight.
“I campaigned hard; 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 served as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, FIFA, for Two terms, and also served as First Vice President of CAF between 2018 and 2019.
He, however, thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Government of Nigeria as a whole, as well as FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, National Sports Commission, NSC, boss, Shehu Dikko, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and those he calls friends in government and the corporate world.
“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 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,” he said.
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