The Civil Society Network for Good Governance has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Speaking at a Press Conference in Abuja, National President of the network, Barrister Adefila Kamal told journalists that the Network reached the decision “On the strength of his exceptional performance”.
While empathizing with Nigerians on the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the group noted that Nigerian football has witnessed a lot of transformation and reforms. A case in point is the large number of sponsors attracted by the Amaju Melvin Pinnick led board, which has put the NFF in the path to self funding, less than 10% funding from government coffers.
While noting “that even the greatest footballing nations lose games and competitions, the group called “for Nigeria to rise again in unity and do better” while rallying around the leadership of the NFF to take necessary corrective measures.
While calling on Amaju Pinnick to remain focused on the onerous task ahead, they also urged him to make himself available to seek reelection. The group based the call on the fact that Mr. Pinnick had stabilized, despite being confronted with series of existential crises.
The group noted that Pinnick had used “his significant clout in global football to put Nigeria and Nigerians on the global map, with more than nine Nigerians serving in various high level capacities in CAF and FIFA”.
The group further noted that Pinnick had concluded plans for the “construction of 2 pitches in each of the 36 states of Nigeria, with the first 6 already completed in each of the geopolitical zones of Nigeria”. Barr. Adefila further noted that travel and logistics for the national teams had become easier and more comfortable, while “Grade A”friendly matches have become the norm for the Super Eagles, even for the home based team.
The group concluded by positing that “doubt no other individual in Nigeria has done more to put Nigeria on the map in the beautiful game than Amaju Melvin Pinnick, while assuring that their “members will rally round him in human and material resources”.
