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Tag: Amaju Pinnick

  • W/Cup: We have raked in $50M dollars so far -Pinnick (Audio)

    President of Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick has revealed that the Glass House has so far sealed contracts worth $50 million   about N18 Billion in support of the Super Eagles campaign in this year’s World Cup in Russia.

    The Eagles impressive qualification he said has turned the team into a beautiful bride with corporate bodies who believe in the team and the desire of the Nigeria Football federation to take the team and the game to the next level catching the sponsorship boat.

    “You will agree with me that the Super Eagles have moved to the next level, and the synergy between the NFF and these corporate bodies that have identified with us will further push the team further,” he said

    The FIFA and CAF Executive member said he does not regret saying that the Super Eagles can win the world cup insisting that it is achievable. Can we win the world Cup? Yes we can and I believe we can so I don’t regret saying so” he submitted

    Pinnick who recalled with nostalgia that Friday March 16 marked exactly one year he and other positive looking members led a change campaign in the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) said the same revolution is taking place in the repackaging of the national team all aimed at taking the game to the next level.

    https://soundcloud.com/thenationnewspaper/wcup-we-have-raked-in-50m-dollars-so-far-pinnick

    No effort he further said can be considered too much in supporting football in the country because of its impact on the people.

    “When football match involving Nigeria is going on, all known vices practically cease and every focus will be on the game.  That is how serious this game have become for Nigerians and this is why we have resolved to do everything possible to keep it that way,” he said

    Pinnick re-echoed Super Eagles readiness to file out against Poland, Serbia, England and Czech Republic in high class friendly ties before heading to Russia.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • 2018 World Cup: Nigerians will not accept failure – Wike tells NFF

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has advised the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to intensify preparations for the World Cup as Nigerians will not accept failure at the Mundial.

    Speaking during a Courtesy Visit by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation at the Government House Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Wike said that exiting the World Cup at the group stage will be unacceptable to Nigerians.

    According to Governor Wike: “If you fail to advance beyond the group stage, don’t bother to return.  Find excuses to stay there in Russia. Nigerians expect the best from the Super Eagles. That is why the NFF must intensify preparations.”

    Governor Wike urged the management of the NFF to close ranks and work in unity for the development of football in the country.

    “There must be disagreements, but these disagreements should be platforms for Development. Disagreements should not destroy the place.  It should make NFF stronger “, he said.

    The governor said that the State Government is using football as a source of empowerment for the youths.

    Read Also: Wike’s commitment to Rivers people

    He said football is a unifying factor in the country, as it douses tension whenever the nation is engaged in international sporting events.

    Governor Wike commended the NFF for the notable improvements in the country’s league, charging the NFF to develop it to the level where teams can win on the strength of their capacity.

    Earlier, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick said that the NFF were in the State to thank Governor Wike for providing the foundation for the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup.

    He said the journey to Russia 2018 started in Port Harcourt after the Super Eagles  defeated Swaziland.

    “The governor created the right environment  that led to the qualification of Super Eagles for the World Cup.  This journey started here in Port Harcourt.  Today, Port Harcourt has become a destination of choice “.

    He formally invited Governor Wike to be part of the country’s delegation to the World Cup, saying that the country will benefit from the sporting experience of the Rivers State Governor.

     

  • FIFA World Cup visits Nigeria

    FIFA World Cup visits Nigeria

    The original trophy of the FIFA World Cup to be handed over to the winning team at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15 will arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said on its website on Tuesday that the trophy will arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja aboard a chartered flight at 11 a.m.

    The trophy is on a tour of 91 cities in 51 countries across six continents before the 21st FIFA World Cup.

    The competition is scheduled for June 14 to July 15 in Russia.

    The federation said the Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, and several others will receive the trophy.

    Read Also: FIFA insists no security threat for Russia 2018 World Cup

    “From the airport the trophy, accompanied by several other officials, will make its way to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel for a press conference to be addressed by Coca-Cola officials.

    “It will then be on its way to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, where President Muhammadu Buhari will have a feel of the trophy and deliver a welcome remark,’’ the NFF said.

    On Thursday, a whole-day consumer viewing of the trophy is planned for the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

    The trophy and its accompanying team will then fly into Lagos on Friday morning, to be received by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and NFF First Vice-President Seyi Akinwunmi.

    There will be a consumer viewing of the trophy at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Saturday, before the trophy departs Nigeria in the evening.

    This is the fourth Global Tour by the FIFA World Cup Trophy, and the third time it will be visiting Nigeria.

    NAN

  • Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration’s vision to reform sports is aimed at creating jobs and curbing restiveness among youths.

    The governor made the submission during a dinner organised to unveil the new logo, jersey, team bus, technical team as well as manual for the rebranded Bendel Insurance Football Club (FC) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Obaseki said, “We have a keen interest to reform the sports sector in the state, and this is aimed at providing solutions to youth restiveness and unemployment. For us, sports have the potential to uplift the lives of our people and offer hope to youths who seek a better country.

    “Edo people are sports-loving. We will leverage this as we continue our reforms and give hope to our teeming youths. The steps made in reforming the Bendel Insurance FC will serve as reference point to drive more reforms in the sector.”

    He added the reforms will focus on grassroots sports development, noting, “Design and contracts for the construction of mini stadium in each local government area across the state have been completed. Local government chairmen will be mandated to ensure that the project is completed to encourage young men and women at the grassroots to tap into sports.”

    Obaseki called on investors in the state to support the present administration’s efforts to restore the state to its pride of place in sports in the country.

    Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, hailed “the achievements of the club, which has a reputation of producing contenders in the national team. These include, Peter Osazee Odemwingie, Austin Eguavoen, amongst others. These great players have represented the state at national and international assignments.”

    Shaibu added, “The decision to rebrand the Bendel Insurance FC’s logo with the image of Queen Idia was to project the club members as warriors, out to win battles. I am optimistic that the rebranded Bendel Insurance FC will emerge as a force to contend with.”

    On his part, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, commended the state government for its initiatives in repositioning Bendel Insurance FC, and urged “The state government to partner corporate bodies for sponsorship to achieve self-funding and ensure the club is not dependent on government grants.”

    “It is important for football clubs to run independent of government interference to ensure consistency. The club can develop its cards; Silver and Premium cards and VIP stand to serve as means for generating funds,” he added.

    Read Also: Obaseki lauds FG on welfare package for IDPs in Edo

  • FIFA 2018 W/C: Rohr did not reject friendly games says NFF President

    FIFA 2018 W/C: Rohr did not reject friendly games says NFF President

    The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick on Monday said that the allegation that the Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr rejected friendly games with Chile and Morocco was false.
    Our Reporters recalls that speculations were rife that the Super Eagles Technical Adviser cum Manager refused to accept friendly games for the team from Chile and Morocco.
    The NFF President told Newsmen in a chat in Lagos that the decision of the coach on friendly games for the team was agreed on based on tactical and technical reasons and that the team had already sealed the friendly games it would play.
    “Most countries are playing three games before the world cup but the super eagles are playing five and care must be taken not to tire out the players before the world cup kicks off.
    “We are taking on Poland and Serbia on March 23 and 27 respectively, Congo on May 28, England on June 2 and Czech Republic on June 6.

    Read Also: NFF ensuring coaches succeed — Sanusi

    “There are so many considerations before a team can take on friendly matches. The NFF did not interfere and will not interfere in issues of selections and matches by the coach.
    “The coach wanted a typical African traditional style of pay. Morocco and Chile has never been in the picture for the friendly games ‘’ he added.
    On the appointment of new coaches by the NFF, Pinnick said that the federation followed due diligence and that the coaches were appointed based on antecedents and not sentiments.
    “I am particularly impressed with the present administration for not interfering in the decisions of the NFF. It is commendable and it enables the federation to ensure that the best hands are picked without influence.
    “Nigeria is having global recognition again in sports and we want to ensure that by 2022, Nigeria will have the best football team in the World.
    “We have plans to build football houses across the federation for trainings. There will be two standard pitches in each state to catch them young and restore the 1994 glory to Nigeria’’ he further said.
    With the NFF new tenure approaching, Picnnick however declined comments on a second term bid.
    The next NFF election is billed for Sept. 30, 2017.

    NAN

  • “Win CHAN for Buhari” – Pinnick charges Eagles

    “Win CHAN for Buhari” – Pinnick charges Eagles

     

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has charged the home-based Super Eagles of Nigeria to go all out and win the Africa Nations Championship ( CHAN ) for President Muhammadu Buhari

    Pinnick commended the players for their victory against Sudan in Marrakech, but told them that they cannot afford to go this far only to go down to the host country.

    Speaking to the players, Pinnick said “On behalf of the NFF Executive Committee and the entire Nigerian Football family, I praise you for your tremendous efforts in getting this far in the face of numerous challenges. You are great ambassadors of our dear nation.

    “However, the truth is that you have raised the expectations of the Government and people of Nigeria back home, and now you just have to do all that it will take to win the Cup.

    Read Also:  CHAN: Dalung congratulates Super Eagles

    “President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) has been following with keen interest your campaign here, and the only way to compensate him for his support and encouragement is to go back home with the CHAN trophy.”

    While the Super Eagles must beware of ambitious Atlas Lions in the shape of eight –goal Ayoub El Kaabi, Walid El Karti, Zakaria Hadraf, Salaheddine Saidi, Ismail El Haddad and Abdeljalil Jbria that Coach Jamal Sellami will send out, the Lions themselves have to worry about in –form Nigerian striker Gabriel Okechukwu, as well as Anthony Okpotu, Dayo Ojo, Rabiu Ali, Osas Okoro and Augustine Oladapo.

    Youth and Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, will lead the Nigerian support at the Stade Mohamed V on Sunday.

    Both teams have an extra motivation in form of a $1.25million winner’s prize. The runner –up will go home with $750,000.

     

  • Adamu, Mustapha get CAF appointments

    Adamu, Mustapha get CAF appointments

     

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Samson Adamu  and Abdulhakeem Mustapha as new Director of Competitions and President of Appeals board respectively, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced.

    The NFF made the announcement in its twitter handle @thenff on Friday.

    The appointments were made at the 40th Ordinary General Assembly in Casablanca, Morocco.

    Read Also: Mohamed Salah is 2017 CAF African Footballer 

    Meanwhile, Amaju Pinnick, NFF President on his twitter handle @pinnickamaju said: “ I wish to announce with pride that Mr Samson Adamu is the new CAF Director of Competitions  and Mr A. U. Mustapha is the new President of the CAF Appeals Board’’.

    Morocco, however, is playing host to 16 teams participating in the 5th African Nations Championship (CHAN), where the Super Eagles is billed to take on Morocco in the finals on Feb. 4

    NAN

     

  • Swede coach vow to rebuild Falcons, says “I won’t be a flying coach’’

    Swede coach vow to rebuild Falcons, says “I won’t be a flying coach’’

    Thomas Dennerby, the new Head Coach of Super Falcons, on Tuesday promised to rebuild and improve the senior national women football team, saying “I won’t be a flying coach’’.

    Dennerby, while speaking at his unveiling by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the National Stadium in Abuja, said he was taking up the post as a challenge.

    “I am honoured and excited to be here. It is a big challenge and I look forward to doing my best

    “I believe in hard work, building up a network with domestic and professional coaches abroad.

    “My philosophy is to get best out of every player and the coaching staff. The best way to improve the team is to work together and I am looking forward to work with the members of staff,’’ he said.

    Dennerby, who would be assisted by fellow Swede Jorgen Petersson, also has Olarenwaju Oni and Maureen Madu as assistants and Tunde Omobolanle as goalkeepers’ trainer to work with.

    He however warned that he was going to place huge demands on his players to do their best in every training session or game and being professional every single time.

    Read Also:  NFF signs top Swedish coach, Dennerby, for Super  Falcons

    “Even when eating, sleeping, being fit and all, this is what I demand.

    “I have a strong will-to-win attitude and I am sure that the players have such attitude. So, I look forward to doing my job.

    “I am not going to be a flying coach, I am going to live here,’’ the coach said.

    On his part, NFF’s Second Vice-President, Shehu Dikko, who represented the federation’s President, Amaju Pinnick, said the federation ensured it chose a qualified and well-experienced coach for the team.

    “ Over the years we have achieved so many successes within the African space, but it is time for us to move to the world stage.

    “Everybody knows we have the passion, belief and quality, and all we need is a little push both administratively and technically to shake the world.

    “This is what led us to Dennerby. We found him as someone, who is well experienced and valuable to what we want to achieve, following his successes as a coach.

    “ So, I believe that we have the right man. With the right support, this project will lead us to where we want to be among the world powers of football.

    “We hope to be able to participate well in every tournament and be among the key contenders in all events and that is what Dennerby is here to do,’’ he said.

    Also present at the unveiling were reigning African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala and Falcons teammate Onome Ebi, amongst others.

    NAN

  • Pinnick reads riot act to national coaches, NFF staff

    Pinnick reads riot act to national coaches, NFF staff

    Amaju Pinnick, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has directed the federation’s Legal Department to henceforth work closely with the Legal Committee for the enforcement of the Code of Conduct.

    Pinnick, who spoke on Wednesday in Abuja, said there was the need to ensure the enforcement of the code enshrined in the national coaches’ contracts.

    He also directed that a separate document be developed to be signed by the Head Coach and Team Administrator of every national team embarking on any assignment.

    “Henceforth, the NFF will visit any violation of the code with stiff sanctions as enshrined in the code and the coaches’ respective contracts.

    “People will as from now take responsibility for their actions, inactions, misconduct, negligence and downright ineptitude.

    “We cannot continue to go on this way. What happened was a major gaffe and we will no longer condone this level of indolence and lack of seriousness.

    “People must change their general attitude and their approach to work henceforth, or be ready to face sanctions,’’ the NFF president said.

    He spoke at a meeting with NFF management and staff in Abuja, against the background of the sanctions imposed on Nigeria by FIFA over Super Eagles’ use of an ineligible player.

    Pinnick also charged the heads of different departments and units in the federation to be much more alive to their responsibilities.

    He then directed that extant rules and regulations be fully enforced to deal with erring members of management and staff of NFF.

  • FIFA Sanction: Pinnick apologises to Nigerians

    FIFA Sanction: Pinnick apologises to Nigerians

    The president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has apologised to Nigerians and football lovers for the FIFA sanctions on the country.

    FIFA had rejected Nigeria’s defence on the use of an ineligible player during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Constantine on Friday, 10th November 2017, thus awarding the match to Algeria.

    However, FIFA said the sanction does not in any way hurt Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, as the Super Eagles had picked the ticket from Group B ahead of the clash in Constantine.

    But Pinnick through his twitter handle:@PinnickAmaju tendered this apology and took full responsibility of the NFF’s actions.

    He said; “I’ll start by tendering my wholehearted apology to Nigeria and Nigerians for the Shehu Abdullahi error. It is unforgivable and could have undone months of hard work. As head of the Federation, I take responsibility for this. It happened on my watch.

    “While accepting the Federation’s fault here, let me quickly explain how this went by unnoticed. It doesn’t change the fact that we didn’t keep our eyes on the ball and will help us in our planned restructuring of the Technical & Competitions Department.

    Read Also: FIFA sanctions Nigeria for use of ineligible player

    “Shehu Abdullahi got his first yellow card in our very first preliminary match against Swaziland away. When the draws for the Group Stages were made, the Technical staff made a grave error; assumption. They assumed the cards gotten prior would not count.

    “To be fair to them, throughout the qualifying series, official match documents didn’t even show that Shehu Abdullahi was on a yellow card. For instance, when we played Cameroon, Mikel, Moses and Balogun were put on notice that they had yellow cards.

    “Team meetings were even held about how to handle their cards so they wouldn’t miss crucial games. Shehu Abdullahi was never in the mix. Shehu then recieved a yellow against Zambia in our penultimate game, two years after the Swaziland match.

    “Another grave mistake then occurred. FIFA sent an email to the technical officer in charge, that Shehu Abdullahi was suspended for the Algeria match. In a twist of fate, that officer was in hospital, with a severe heart condition, battling for his life.

    “The biggest knock to our system is the fact that his official correspondences should have been forwarded to more than one person. It wasn’t. We went into our last match not knowing about Fifa’s notice. Not acceptable, I agree, but these are the facts of the matter.

    “On the match day, we were unaware, the match officials were unaware and our opponents were unaware. It was a horrendous error and we at the Federation are truly apologetic. We thank God it did not undue years of hard work.

    “It was a lack of due diligence in and by one of our departments and we are ensuring that errors like these never happen again. On behalf of all of us at the @thenff; I apologise, Nigeria. Our focus remains. We will soar higher.”