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Tag: Pinnick

  • Super Eagles: Pinnick under fire  over World Cup 2026  boast

    Super Eagles: Pinnick under fire  over World Cup 2026  boast

    Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has drawn public criticism following his repeated claims that the Super Eagles would have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if he were still leading Nigerian football.

    Although the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar under Pinnick’s watch, he recently boasted that he would have handled things differently if he were still in charge of the NFF—especially now that Africa has 10 available slots for the World Cup. His comments suggest the current NFF leadership under Ibrahim Gusau has underperformed.

    This week, Pinnick reportedly made similar arguments, adding that the 2026 World Cup setback could be avoided if Gusau, whose tenure ends in September, receives a fresh mandate to lead the NFF for another term.

    “I said so and I don’t have any regrets saying it. If I was the president, I would have qualified [for the 2026 World Cup] because I would have learned on and off the field of play—everything I needed to do,” Pinnick said in an interview relayed  on Brila FM. “Ibrahim—by God’s grace—if he gets re-elected, there’s no way that he will not qualify Nigeria. He will now know that from the beginning, every point counts, and that’s what I would have done because I knew.”

    However, Pinnick’s latest claims have infuriated callers to the Lagos-based sports radio station, with many accusing him of contributing largely to the problems plaguing Nigerian football.

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    “Was this not the same Pinnick in charge during Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers?” one caller asked rhetorically. “Was it not under his watch that we failed to beat Ghana in Abuja? Now he’s running his mouth and blaming others, claiming he’s a Warri boy. So he was not a Warri boy when we failed to qualify for Qatar 2022?”

    Another respondent was more direct, saying Pinnick was being egotistical and sounding like a typical politician.

    “The man is just talking like a politician,” he noted. “What is the point of this cheap talk now? What is he driving at? So unfortunate—these NFF people are birds of the same feather.”

    Another caller said Pinnick and his associates can throw their weight around due to lack of accountability and good governance in Nigerian football. He added that the former First Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should never be allowed near the NFF again.

    “It is not the fault of this man talking,” he said. “The problem with Nigerian football is lack of accountability. He can continue making noise because they have never been held accountable.”

    One more caller added: “Why is this man running his mouth? He did not qualify us for the Qatar 2022 World Cup when he was in that same position. I suspect the guy wants to stage a comeback to the NFF, but he has such temerity because we have never held them accountable for past mismanagement of our football.”

  • Sports dev’t: Pinnick backs infrastructure adequacy, maintenance

    Sports dev’t: Pinnick backs infrastructure adequacy, maintenance

    Former President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Melvin Pinnick  has called for new methods and a re-dedication to the ethos of sport infrastructure maintenance in the country.

    Delivering this year’s personality guest lecture of the Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan on Tuesday, the FIFA Council Member and Member of CAF Executive Committee started with a brief overview of the country’s sport infrastructure landscape, underscored the relevance of hosting major competitions for sport infrastructure abundance, traced the era of decline and neglect, and concluded by stating that plenteous and well-maintained sport infrastructure are crucial for Nigeria’s success in international competitions.

    “Poor sport infrastructure has the consequence of limited talent development, reduces competitiveness, is a major disincentive to athletes, makes it impossible for any nation to host competitions, and has a negative impact on a country’s pride and sense of identity,” Pinnick said, as he delivered his paper titled, The Challenges of Sports Infrastructure and Maintenance in Nigeria: Prospect for the Podium Performance. 

    Read Also: Ex-NFF boss Pinnick to speak on sports infrastructure maintenance in UI 

    In order to ensure a positive turn-around, he advocated for public-private partnerships in infrastructural development and maintenance, innovative funding models, adopting modern maintenance technologies, capacity-enhancement for maintenance experts and a cluster-model that will rank States according to sport infrastructure available in their domain and also engender stiff competition among them for infrastructural sufficiency.

    He said: “There are a few success stories on the African continent, such as South Africa and Morocco, who have a national sports maintenance agency. We do not necessarily need to copy them; we can develop what will work for us.

     “What is important now is that we must confront this sport infrastructural deficit head-on and the Federal Government, States, local councils, tertiary institutions, private club owners and private investors all have roles to play.

    “With improved sport infrastructure round the country, there will be brighter prospects for podium performance by our athletes in international competitions, as we will be able to discover more talents in their youth, have the capacity to nurture them and utilize the facilities optimally to blood them to real competitors. In addition, our country will be able to host major competitions, and our national pride and sense of identity as host of big events will be restored.”

    In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale , emphasized the university’s vision and mission, which includes fostering a love for sports and promoting national growth and development. He noted that sport plays a vital role in shaping individuals, communities and nations, and commended Pinnick’s efforts in advancing the cause of Nigeria sport internationally.

    The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Olufemi Adegbesan, hailed Pinnick for his engaging delivery, which was also inspiring, insightful and thought-provoking. He described him as a visionary leader, astute administrator and a passionate advocate of sport infrastructure development in the country.

    Goodwill messages were received from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe (virtual), as well as Alhaji Shehu Dikko (Chairman, National Sports Commission), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (President, NFF), Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi (Former 1st Vice President, NFF) and Ms Aisha Falode (Member, NFF Executive Committee) who were all physically present.

    The carnival-like opening to the lecture featured dance performances by Itsekiri and Brazilian groups, and a special performance by the Nigeria Football Supporters Club led by its President-General Worldwide, Dr Rafiu Oladipo.

    Pinnick was presented with a distinguished service award by the Faculty of Education. The award was presented by Professor Aderonke Baiyeroju, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics).

    The guest lecture had in attendance the full team of the university’s management. Also present were Oyo State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Wosilat Adegoke; Oba James Odeniran, Chairman of Oyo State Football Association; former NFF General Secretary, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba and; NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire.

  • Tinubu backs Pinnick’s FIFA Council re-election bid 

    Tinubu backs Pinnick’s FIFA Council re-election bid 

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced his support for Nigeria’s bid to be re-elected to the FIFA Council, the main decision-making body of the organization.

    Nigeria’s current representative on the council, Amaju Pinnick, who is also a two-term President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), was first elected to the FIFA Council in March 2021. He is now seeking re-election.

    The FIFA Council, which is comprised 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 issued yesterday 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.

    Read Also: Breach of contract: Davido to pay Pinnick N30m

    “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 said.

  • Pinnick lobbies Minister for World Cup Committee slot

    Pinnick lobbies Minister for World Cup Committee slot

    Immediate past President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Melvin Pinnick has been making frantic efforts to return to the Glass House by pleading with the Sports Minister John Owan Enoh to appoint him into the four-man committee that will supervise the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign of the Super Eagles.

    According to www.insideglasshouse.com, Pinnick last week in Abuja had a closed-door meeting with the Minister in his bid to work his way back to the football house which he headed for eight years.

    The proposed World Cup qualification campaign committee headed by the Minister with NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and General Secretary is expected to ensure Nigeria qualify for the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

    Pinnick had the ambition for a third term as NFF President but his move was thwarted following the dwindling fortunes of football during his eight-year tenure

    Pinnick was alleged to have imposed Ibrahim Gusau as successor in September 2022 in Benin City but the Delta state-born administrator has been plotting his way back to the Sunday Dankaro football house in Abuja.

    Read Also: Davido objects to Pinnick’s suit over ‘breach of contract’

    To achieve this, Pinnick launched a massive PR campaign to show himself as a philanthropist, who supports his immediate communities, as well as a serious investor in the Nigerian economy with his gigantic agricultural scheme in Oyo State.

    The meeting in Abuja between Pinnick and the Sports Minister covered a wide-range of issues concerning Nigeria Football and the FIFA Council Member has been hobnobbing to the new government in his bid to curry their favour.

    The Super Eagles got off to a faltering start in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after they drew 1-1 with both Lesotho and Zimbabwe. They are third in their qualifying group with two points.

    The qualifiers will resume in June next year with the Eagles home to South Africa before playing away to Benin Republic. Rwanda lead the group with four points after two rounds of matches.

  • Davido objects to Pinnick’s suit over ‘breach of contract’

    Davido objects to Pinnick’s suit over ‘breach of contract’

    Nigerian-American superstar singer, David Adedeji Adeleke (Davido), has filed a preliminary objection to challenge the N2.3 billion breach of contract suit instituted against him and his music label, Davido Music Worldwide Limited, by Brownhill Investments Company Limited and its Chairman, Mr. Amaju Pinnick.

     Pinnick, a former President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), had instituted the N2.3 billion suit before the High Court of Delta State, Effurun, against Davido for an alleged breach of agreement/contract.

     The claimants are asking the court to award the amount as general damages against Davido, following his refusal to honour a contract reached with him to perform at the 19th edition of the “Warri Again” event on October 6, 2023.

     The claimant said he failed to appear after collecting the sum of US$94,500 (an equivalent of a million).

    Read Also: Davido rescued me from depression – Israel DMW

     They stated that they also incurred additional expenses of $18,000 to secure the private jet chartered to convey Davido (first defendant) and his team, yet he refused to show up for the show.

     At the resumed hearing of the suit, Davido had challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter.

     In his preliminary objection, the artiste premised his response on the grounds that the case is a debt recovery matter and that the claimant ought to have written a letter of demand first before rushing to court.

     He further claimed that Sosoberokon is not his agent and does not negotiate performance contracts on his behalf.

     While the singer claimed that he was not paid for the show and denied the agent, he however admitted receiving the payment of $94,500 but stated that the sum was payment for only promotion of the show.

     In the sister case bordering on criminal defamation, Davido through his team of lawyers led by Mr. Norrison Quakers (SAN), also filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court on the grounds that the defamatory statements were published online, but the claimant did not show that the defamatory statements were downloaded and viewed in Delta State to give the court jurisdiction.

     Both matters have been adjourned to December 14, 2023, for the court to rule on the preliminary objections filed in both cases.

     Also, in the N500 million defamation case filed against Israel, Davido’s Staff, no defence was filed on behalf of Israel and the court has already granted the application for an injunction restraining Israel from making any defamatory statements against Pinnick.

     Pinnick’s legal team is led by Mr. Kelechi Onwu, a senior partner in Alegeh & Co., the law firm of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Austine Alegeh (SAN).

     Strong indications have emerged that Davido has enlisted many Nigerians to help prevail on Pinnick to withdraw the suit.

     It was gathered that many Nigerians, including three eminent personalities, are already in talks with Pinnick to settle out-of-court.

     It was gathered that Pinnick is insisting on going ahead with the suit due to the attempt by Davido to tarnish his hard-earned reputation despite the unblemished and transparent career he had both as former President of NFF and current role with FIFA, which requires integrity and honesty.

     It was further gathered that since Davido is also an American, pressures have intensified by Pinnick’s friends, associates and international partners for him to file a suit in the United States against Davido and his associates.

  • Pinnick commiserates with Morocco over tragic earthquake

    Pinnick commiserates with Morocco over tragic earthquake

    Nigeria’s FIFA Council Member and Member of the Executive Committee of Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has commiserated with the Government and people of Morocco over last weekend’s earthquake carnage that has claimed the lives of over three thousand people.

    “I am inconsolably saddened by the earthquake that has wiped out whole families and wreaked so much havoc among a good people. It has been heart-breaking watching the images from Morocco and one is simply lost for words to appropriately describe the feeling at seeing pictures and videos.

    “Morocco has continued to play a huge role in the development of African football, reaching out to many nations with cooperation agreements and hosting matches of many, many countries who do not have approved match venues in their countries over the past few years.

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    “We all still have good memories of the great honour that the Morocco senior men football team brought to the entire continent by reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, and we remain enamoured by the country’s keen desire to host CAF’s major tournaments.

    “My heart goes out to His Highness, King Mohammed V, my good friend Fouzi Lekjaa, the President of Royal Morocco Football Federation and all those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

    “We love the dead but God Almighty loves them more. My consolation is that the whole world stood up to help. Nations and institutions have joined the rescue efforts and this shows the love that Morocco enjoys globally. I pray that God will rest the soul of the departed in peace and also grant those left behind to mourn the dead, the fortitude to bear the loss,” Pinnick closed.

  • NNL boss Olopade dares Pinnick, NFF over Congress’ decisions

    After the NFF board meeting in Asaba, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) mandated NNL chairman Chidi Ofor Okenwa to immediately convene a congress of stakeholders to take a decision which would be ratified by the executive committee in a bid to find a lasting solution to the problems associated with NPFL’s abrupt end to the season in week 24 but in a related development, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigeria National league NNL, Bukola Olopade, in a telephone conversation with Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece (NSM), regretted the circumstances that led to this unfortunate situation in our football, insisting that there was no going back on the resolution reached at the NNL congress in Abuja.

    ”At that meeting, the NNL took the decision not to go ahead with the Super 8 which could have paved way for the best four teams to get promotion to the NPFL, Instead, they had decided that all eight teams must get promoted under the present circumstances.

    ”In supporting that position, the NNL said the Congress of the NPFL did not consult it before arriving at the decision not to relegate any team, meaning they never recognised the fact that whatever decision they took, will have a direct bearing on the NNL. Based on that, the NNL has pressed the war button as they intend to go toe to toe with the LMC, organisers of the NPFL on this matter.

    “We cannot be made to swallow their vomit, Olopade said. We have taken our decision and they must learn to live with it. At the last NFF meeting in Asaba, they asked that we go and take a decision in the best interest of the game and whatever decision we take, they will approve. We have done just that and we see no reason why anyone will want to go contrary.”

    “If anything is done, different from the decision reached by the NNL congress in Abuja, I, Bukola Olopade will activate my earlier resignation from the position of chief executive officer, CEO of the NNL with immediate effect.”

    ”Perhaps you don’t know that I resigned five months ago but was persuaded to stay on by my good friend Amaju Pinnick, till the end of the season.

    ”I have been asking a few questions and will not stop asking:

    1. Why did the LMC end the league to go to Russia for the World Cup?
    2. Why on earth did they decide to end the season abruptly?
    3. Why did they decide not to relegate any of the 20 teams in the division? Why didn’t they consult us, if they know that we are partners in progress?
    4. Why must the NNL bear the brunt of their actions or inactions?
    5. Where did the NNL go wrong in all of these?

    “It is only when they provide answers to my many questions that I will take them seriously, if not, we stand by our decision to promote eight teams and there is no going back on that,” he concluded.

  • Rewards coming, Pinnick hints Falcons

    Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick has hinted that the Super Falcons will receive a rain of rewards for winning the 11th Africa Women Cup of Nations but added that all willing givers are waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the way.

    Although Pinnick did not put any date to the expected hosting of the Falcons by President Buhari, footballlive.ng gathered that those willing to reward the team have put their gestures on hold.

    This much was revealed by Pinnick in another congratulatory message to the Falcons, which he praised for showing the true Nigerian spirit in how they held out to defeat South Africa via penalties in last weekend’s AWCON 2018 final at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana.

    Pinnick said he could not stop praising the players and, while he hinted that the Falcons will soon get several rewards from various quarters, he said the benefactors are all waiting for President Buhari to have the first honour. While describing the Falcons as one of the most accomplished teams in world football, Pinnick stated that many of those who wish to reward the squad are cautious not to jump the gun ahead of Buhari.

    Pinnick, who is also first vice-president of Confederation of African Football (CAF), further disclosed that some NFF partners and sponsors, as well as state governors also wish to host the champions.

    He further promised that the NFF will support Falcons’ coach, Thomas Dennerby to ensure that the team is well prepared for the 2019 World Cup in France, where he believes they can get their best outing ever.

    The NFF boss stated as much when he visited the team at Starview Hotel, Abuja in the company of the NFF general-secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed and Head of Women Football, Ruth David.

    Pinnick added: “I want to congratulate and also thank you once again for what you did on Saturday, making us all proud. You displayed the quintessential Nigerian Spirit. You showed that the Nigerian flag strengthened you and that is why, even during the extra time, you were not tired.

    “We can’t thank our father, President Buhari enough for his immense support to Nigerian Football. The President is really happy with what you have done which had never been done by any women national team. Germany and America have dominated their respective confederation championships, winning eight titles each. However, no country had ever won nine times. That is why President Buhari wants to meet you as soon as possible.

    “Our sponsors are also lining up to host and honour you, as well as some state governors, who have indicated their interest in hosting you, but all that will be after the President hosts you. We are already working with the coach who has submitted his plans for the World Cup to us.

    “I am talking to some European Federation presidents and president of the European Union Football Association, Aleksander Ceferin to secure friendly matches for the team in preparation for the World Cup.”

  • NFF Elective Congress: Pinnick pledges to reconcile with losers

    The President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick, has pledged to reconcile with those who lost at the 2018 NFF Elective Congress held in Katsina on Thursday.

    Pinnick was speaking after the announcement of election results by the Chairman, NFF Electoral Committee, Mr Mohammed Sani-Katu.

    He said that there was no winner, no vanquish during the election, hence the need for all to come and join hands to fulfill their promises and make a progress.

    The NFF president thanked all those who contributed to the success of the exercise in one way or the other.

    Pinnick scored 34 votes to beat other contestants.

    Aminu Maigari polled eight votes to emerge second, Taiwo Ogunjobi got two votes, while Chinedu Okoye had no vote during the election.

    Seyi Akinwumi was elected First Vice President and Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Chairman FA Chairmen.

    Others elected included Yusuf Ahmed and Suleiman Kwande as board members from North Central; Babagana Kali and Musa Duhu for North East.
    Sharif Rabiu was elected unopposed as board member for North West; Emmanuel Eda, South-South; Felix Agu, South East, and Ganiyu Majekodumi, South West.

    44 delegates cast votes during the peaceful congress. (NAN)

  • Pinnick battles others for top job

    The battle for the top job in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will reach a climax today as the incumbent – Amaju Pinnick battles to retain his post against his predecessor, Aminu Maigari; ex-international, Taiwo Ogunjobi and Chinedu Okoye, proprietor of amateur league club, Bimo FC.

    The battle for the seat will be observed by Messrs Luca Piazza and Solomon Mudege from FIFA and Mr Sita Sangare from CAF. However, the possibility of Maigari contesting is doubtful as the electoral committee may have disqualified him over the verification of the certificates he presented.

    Already, the 44-member strong NFF Congress are expected to cast their votes in what promises to be a battle for the soul of Nigerian football.

    The poll will seek to elect the NFF Executive Committee for 2018 to 2022. Also for the first Vice President’s position, there are two candidates. The incumbent, Seyi Akinwunmi will slug it out with Sunday Dele-Ajayi.

    Another incumbent – Ibrahim Musa Gusau will battle Ifeanyi Ubah for the post of Chairman of Chairmen on the board.

    For other positions on the Executive Committee, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, a member of the present Board, remains the only candidate from the North West. The battle in the North Central has been narrowed with the withdrawal of FCT FA chairman Musa Talle.

    However, Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’ and Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, both ranking Members of the board, will slug it out with Busari Ishola, chairman of Kwara State FA.

    Similarly, incumbents Babagana Kalli and Musa Duhu from the North East have to contend with Farouk Yarma Adamu.

    In the South East, Chidi Ofor Okenwa (presently Chairman of the Nigeria National League), will contend with Enyimba FC chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (ranking Member of Board); Barrister Jude Obikwelu (Vice Chairman, Anambra State FA); Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha (Vice Chairman, Imo State FA) and; High Chief Emeka Inyama (former Chairman of the NNL and former Chairman of NFF Marketing and Sponsorship, and also Chairman of NPFL side Abia Warriors).

    From the South West, only Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, chairman of Ogun State FA, is seeking an Executive Committee member position.