FG Applauds Appointment, Says It Validates Nigeria’s Football Administration Credentials

The Federal Government has congratulated former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick on his appointment as Special Adviser to Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe.

National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko described the appointment as a testament to Pinnick’s stature in global football administration. “This highlights Pinnick as one of Africa’s leading football minds,” Dikko stated at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday. He recalled Pinnick’s 11-year rise through football’s hierarchy – from NFF President to FIFA Council member – noting how the administrator had previously facilitated over 20 Nigerians into continental and global football roles.

CAF President Motsepe, who announced the appointment, praised Pinnick’s influence, saying: “I didn’t realize Amaju was so loved in CAF.” The Delta-born administrator played a key role in Motsepe’s 2021 CAF presidency campaign.

NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade added that Pinnick’s vast network would benefit Nigerian football, pledging continued government support for qualified Nigerians seeking international sports positions. The appointment comes eight months after Pinnick lost his FIFA Council seat, with the FG having backed his reelection bid.
X