The Nigerian football community is abuzz with mixed reactions following Amaju Pinnick’s exit from the FIFA Council. Pinnick, who lost his seat by a single vote to Djibouti’s Souleiman Hassan Waberi, had been a prominent figure in African football governance.
Former Green Eagles player Paul Okoku believes Nigeria gained nothing from Pinnick’s tenure, stating, “This is not about celebrating anyone’s downfall… Instead, Pinnick’s exit should serve as a wake-up call. If Nigeria ever secures another FIFA Council seat, it must go to someone who prioritises national interest over personal ambition.”
Okoku’s sentiments were echoed by other stakeholders, including Adegoke Adelabu, Harrison Jalla, and Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, who all advised Nigerian sports administrators to conduct themselves better while in office.
However, not everyone shared the same negative views. Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, praised Pinnick’s resilient spirit despite his narrow loss.
Pinnick himself reflected on his defeat, saying, “Football politics is fierce, but I am proud to have fought a good fight. I campaigned hard; travelled to more than 30 countries.”
The election, which took place in Cairo, Egypt, saw Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa lead the polls with 49 votes, followed by Egypt’s Hani Rida and Niger’s Djibrilla Hamidou, who both secured 35 votes.