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Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Melvin Pinnick remained composed and gracious after narrowly losing his bid for a seat on the prestigious FIFA Council on Wednesday.
Speaking from the Marriott Mena House in Cairo, Pinnick expressed no regrets, instead choosing to reflect on his journey with gratitude.
“When I started 26 years ago as a volunteer at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Nigeria, I never imagined I would reach these heights,” Pinnick said.
“Becoming Nigeria’s top football administrator for eight years, playing key roles in African football, and engaging with the world’s football leaders has been an incredible journey. I can only be thankful to God and everyone who has supported me.”
Despite a strong campaign that saw him visit more than 30 countries, Pinnick acknowledged the complexities of football politics. “I was confident of close to 40 votes, but politics happened. I am not bitter—just grateful for the immense support I received.”
Pinnick, who also served as CAF First Vice President from 2018 to 2019, extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian government, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, and NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
“I was deeply moved by President Tinubu’s public endorsement of my candidacy. His support, along with that of my friends in government and the corporate world, means everything to me,” he said. “I also cherish my relationship with Gianni Infantino and appreciate his sincerity.”
Reflecting on his career, Pinnick recalled how fate propelled him from heading the NFF electoral committee in 2014 to becoming its president—and, ultimately, one of Nigeria’s youngest representatives in global football governance.
“I am more than fulfilled,” he concluded.
PeakNews Online
