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  President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, made history on Friday, March 12, 2021, after beating Malawian FA president Walter Nyamilandu to claim a seat in the FIFA Executive Council.
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The elections which were held during the Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco, saw the Nigerian football chief win with a landslide of 43-8 votes over his Malawian opponent. With his victory, Pinnick becomes only the third Nigerian to make it into the prestigious council after Oyo Orok Oyo who served between 1980-1988, and Amos Adamu (2006-2010). Pinnick is part of six African football chiefs that will represent the continent in global football decision making. He is joined by the likes of Hany Abou Rida of Egypt, Mathurin De Chacus of Benin Republic, Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa, Aisha Johansen of Sierra Leone, and Mamoutou Toure of Mali.
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It will be recalled that Pinnick’s candidacy received huge backing from the Nigerian government prior to the polls. In a statement signed by Nebolisa Anako, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, President Buhari’s support for the Delta football chieftain was made public.
‘On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, and all Nigerians, we hereby pledge our unflinching support to Mr Pinnick because his victory would be our collective victory. [Sports Minister] Mr Dare believes Amaju can use his position and connections in Caf and Fifa to help promote and develop Nigeria and African football in all ramifications. Let us be resolute and firm in our support…This is no time to stand on the fence, but to be partakers in the scheme of things.’ Nebolisa Anako
Amaju Pinnick, 50, got re-elected as President of the NFF in 2018, served as CAF Vice President between September 2018 and July 2019, prior to being succeeded by Constant Omari. Aside from being a member of the Executive Committee of CAF, Pinnick who hit the spotlight in 2010 after becoming the chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, is also a member of the Organising Committee for Fifa competitions. Source:  Goal Featured Image Source: Premium Times NG
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This article was first published on 15th March 2021

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I am a Lion, I love to hit heights that seem impossible so I can motivate others and prove doubters wrong. For me, impossible is nothing. I'm open to learning and I love to read, travel and meet new faces.

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