President Tinubu Throws Weight Behind Pinnick’s FIFA Council’s Re-election Bid

By Akinwale Kasali

Amaju Melvin Pinnick’s chances of being reelected into the Council of Federation International Football Association, FIFA, has received a huge boost as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown his weight behind the Delta State born administrator.

Pinnick was a former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

FIFA, the main decision-making body of the organization had Pinnick, who is Nigeria’s current representative on the Council was first elected to the FIFA Council in March 2021.

The Two term President of the NFF is seeking re-election into the FIFA Council.

The FIFA Council which comprises of 37 members who serve four-year terms, plays a crucial role in the decision-making process of FIFA.

President Tinubu’s support for Nigeria’s bid was made public in a statement on Tuesday evening by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

“President Bola Tinubu expresses strong support for Nigeria’s bid for re-election into the FIFA Council.

The FIFA Council is the principal decision-making organ of the organization in the intervals of the FIFA Congress.

“The Council comprises 37 members elected by the FIFA Congress for a renewable term of four years.

“Mr. Amaju Pinnick, two-term President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), was elected into the Council in March 2021 – the third Nigerian after the late Oyo Orok Oyo and Dr. Amos Adamu.

“Mr. Pinnick is seeking re-election into the Council, and President Tinubu supports the bid for Nigeria to retain its seat in the Council,” the statement reads.