President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has confirmed his intention to vie for a seat at the FIFA Council at the next Elective Congress of the Confederation of African Football scheduled for March 21, 2021 in Rabat, Morocco.
Pinnick’s decision to vie for a seat on the FIFA Council has put to bed speculations that the NFF boss was gunning for the presidency of the Confederation of African Football.
Pinnick in a statement made available to The PUNCH stated that the decision to vie for the Council position was arrived at after several consultations.
If he wins, he becomes the third Nigerian after Oyo Orok Oyo (1980 to 1988) and Amos Adamu (2006 to 2010) to be elected into the Council.
In the statement read in part, Pinnick said, “Following consultations far and wide and within the broad spectrum of continental and global footballing interests and concerns, I have decided to be a candidate for the FIFA Council at the next Elective Congress of the Confederation of African Football scheduled for March 21, 2021 in Rabat, Morocco.
“For me, it has never been a matter of personal ambition. Always, it has been the passion for service and desire to change the old ways of doing things and embrace wholeheartedly the new and exciting, and more innovative and impactful ways.
“For more than six years, I have worked very hard, with like minds, to effect a positive change in the administration of football in Nigeria, and this has been attested to by many. As 1st Vice President of CAF and President of the Organizing Committee of the AFCON, I know the hard work and commitment that went into enabling the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt. At great personal risk, I toured all the venues in Egypt, travelling at night most of the time, all to ensure the success of the tournament, yet gave all the credit to the President.
“It is my firm belief that after 63 years of existence, the Confederation of African Football, and by extension African football, should be in a much better position than it is presently.
“My focus and vision is to be at a vantage point to contribute immensely to the renaissance of African football and African football administration, through quality contributions at football’s high table.
“I believe that with my experience, my knowledge and my passion, I can make a huge difference in the governance of football in Africa in my position as FIFA Council Member, so fact CAF Executive Committee Member. The voice of Africa will be heard loud and clear, and the interests of Africa will be served to the fullest.
“I therefore humbly declare and seek the support and blessing of all, to be elected as FIFA Council Member in 2021.”
Source: Punch Newspaper
