Amaju Pinnick remains grateful and positive despite FIFA Council setback

By Dayo Awoniyi

Outgoing member of the FIFA Council, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and several other key figures, despite his narrow loss in the recent FIFA Council elections.

Pinnick, whose football journey began as a volunteer at the 1999 FIFA U20 World Cup, rose through the ranks to become the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and later, a member of the FIFA Council.

Even in defeat, he remained charismatic and unbowed.

Reflecting on his journey, Pinnick said, “When I started out 26 years ago, I never dreamed of reaching these heights. 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 have met on my way.”

Having served as the First Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2018 and 2019, Pinnick acknowledged the fierce nature of football politics. Despite the setback, he expressed pride in his efforts and the campaign he ran.

“I campaigned hard; travelled to more than 30 countries,” Pinnick revealed.

“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 made special mention of President Tinubu, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, National Sports Commission (NSC) boss Shehu Dikko, and NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, all of whom lent their support to his candidacy.

“I am drawn to tears by the support of President Tinubu, right from the time he publicly endorsed my candidature,” Pinnick shared emotionally.

“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.”

Despite his electoral loss, Pinnick expressed deep fulfillment with his achievements.

“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.”

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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