Amaju Melvin Pinnick remained composed and positive on Wednesday after narrowly missing out on a seat on the prestigious FIFA Council at the CAF Elections in Cairo, Egypt.
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.
Kanizat Ibrahim (Comoros) 30 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.
Despite the setback, the former NFF President expressed gratitude for his journey in football administration, reflecting on how far he has come since starting as a volunteer at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1999.
“When I started out 26 years ago as a volunteer at the FIFA U-20 World Cup that Nigeria hosted, I never dreamed of reaching these heights,” Pinnick said.
“I never imagined I would become the number one football administrator in Nigeria for eight years, play key roles in African football, and engage with the world’s top football leaders.
I have only gratitude for the Almighty God, for those who have helped me along the way, and for everyone I have met on this journey.”
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Pinnick, who previously served as the First Vice President of CAF from 2018 to 2019, acknowledged the fierce nature of football politics. He campaigned extensively, traveling to over 30 countries, and was confident in securing close to 40 votes before political dynamics shifted against him.
“Football politics is tough, but I am proud to have fought a good fight. I campaigned hard, put in the work, and built relationships. Hours before the election, I was certain of strong support, but politics happened. That’s the nature of the game. I hold no bitterness—only gratitude for everyone who backed me.”
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Pinnick extended special thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his public endorsement and unwavering support. He also expressed appreciation for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, National Sports Commission (NSC) boss Shehu Dikko, and NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, alongside his supporters in government and the corporate world.
“I am deeply moved by the support of President Tinubu, who stood by me from the beginning. I don’t take it for granted. My relationship with Gianni (Infantino) is one I cherish, and I appreciate his sincerity.
The NSC, led by Shehu Dikko, played a key role, and the NFF—especially Ibrahim Musa Gusau—was incredible in pushing my candidacy. I also acknowledge my friends in government and the business community who supported me.”
Reflecting on his unexpected rise in football administration, Pinnick recalled how he was originally set to head the NFF electoral committee in 2014 before fate propelled him to the presidency, making him the youngest-ever Nigerian in FIFA’s top governing body.
“I was meant to oversee the NFF elections in 2014, but destiny had other plans. I ended up leading Nigerian football and later became a part of FIFA’s supreme council. Looking back, I feel nothing but fulfillment.”
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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.
