Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has lost his seat on the FIFA Council after falling short by just one vote in a fiercely contested election held at the 14th Extraordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt.
Pinnick, who had served on the FIFA Council since 2021, was vying for re-election but failed to secure enough votes as African football delegates decided the continent’s representatives on FIFA’s top governing body.
Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa topped the poll with 49 votes, followed by Egypt’s Hani Abou Rida and Niger’s Djibrilla Hima Hamidou, who both earned 35 votes. Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Djibouti’s Souleiman Hassan Waberi claimed the final two spots with 29 votes each. Pinnick narrowly missed out, finishing with 28 votes—just one shy of retaining his seat.
Why Pinnick Lost His FIFA Seat
Several factors contributed to Pinnick’s downfall in the election. Firstly, he faced stiff competition from heavyweight candidates backed by strong football federations, especially from North, East and South Africa. Additionally, political alliances within CAF shifted, leaving him with fewer support bases compared to his first election in 2021.
READ MORE:Rivers Hoopers land dominant big man ahead of 2025 BAL showdown
Another key reason was the growing dissatisfaction with his tenure among some African football officials. Reports suggest that Pinnick’s outspoken nature and past clashes with CAF leadership may have weakened his influence, reducing his chances of securing crucial votes.
How Pinnick’s Defeat Changes African Football Leadership
Pinnick’s exit marks a significant shift in the power dynamics of African football. With Africa holding six seats on the FIFA Council—including one reserved for CAF President Patrice Motsepe—new alliances are forming, shaping the future of the continent’s football governance.
Pinnick alongside Seyi Akinwumi former Vice President of the NFF and Mohammed Sanusi NFF Secretary General.
Pinnick was first elected to the FIFA Council in March 2021 during the 43rd CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco. He became the third Nigerian to hold the position, following in the footsteps of late Etubom Orok Oyo and Amos Adamu.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Meanwhile, Motsepe secured a second term as CAF president, further cementing his influence in African football. He was re-elected by acclamation after initially succeeding Malagasy Ahmad Ahmad, who had been banned by FIFA over financial misconduct.
Pinnick’s loss signals the end of an era for Nigerian football’s presence on FIFA’s global stage, at least for now, as the country will need to rebuild its influence within CAF before aiming for another seat in the future.
