Pinnick’s FIFA Council ambitions take a hit as COSAFA and CECAFA unite behind rivals

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigerian football administrator Amaju Pinnick’s bid for a seat on the FIFA Council has faced a major setback.

The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) have unexpectedly united to support Zambia FA president Andrew Kamanga and Djbouti FA boss Souleiman Hassan Waberi, Pinnick’s main rivals for the influential positions.

Pinnick had initially been relying on support from English-speaking nations, but the unexpected alliance between COSAFA and CECAFA, representing 25 CAF Member Associations, has significantly bolstered Kamanga and Waberi’s chances. This united front has given them a considerable advantage in the upcoming election.

With the momentum now shifting away from him, Pinnick faces the challenge of regrouping and reassessing his campaign strategy.

Although his aspirations for a seat on the FIFA Council are still intact, the road to securing the position has become significantly more difficult.