Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is embracing his journey in football administration, despite narrowly missing out on a seat on the FIFA Council. The 53-year-old, who had sought re-election to the FIFA Council during the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) 14th Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, fell short by just one vote.
Pinnick garnered 28 votes in the closely contested election, missing the fifth and final seat by one vote to Souleiman Waberi of Djibouti, who secured 29 votes. Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa emerged as the top contender with 49 votes, while Egypt’s Hani Abou Rida and Niger’s Djibrilla Hima Hamidou both secured 35 votes each. Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Djibouti’s Waberi completed the list of successful candidates.
Despite the setback, Pinnick expressed immense pride in his achievements and a sense of fulfillment, reflecting on his remarkable journey from starting as a volunteer at the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria to becoming a key figure in African and global football.
“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 shared after the election. “I never thought I could become the number one administrator of football in Nigeria, play key roles in African football, and easily mingle with the world’s top football governors.”
He expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey, including President Bola Tinubu, the NFF, and National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko. Pinnick also thanked CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino for their support.
Reflecting on his political journey, Pinnick stated, “Football politics is fierce, but I am proud to have fought a good fight. I campaigned hard; and travelled to more than 30 countries. I am not bitter about anything, just full of gratitude to everyone who supported my push.”
Pinnick also expressed pride in his accomplishments, particularly his time as the youngest-ever Nigerian to serve on FIFA’s supreme council, and emphasized how fate had elevated him beyond his initial role as head of the NFF electoral committee.
Meanwhile, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who ran unchallenged, secured his second term and will retain his automatic seat on the FIFA Council, alongside a female representative. Africa has seven seats on the FIFA Council, with one automatically reserved for the CAF president.
The newly elected members of the FIFA Council will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global football development and key decision-making within the sport.
