Olopade hails Pinnick’s resilience despite narrow FIFA Council defeat

Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has praised the resilience of former NFF President Amaju Pinnick despite narrowly missing out on re-election to the FIFA Council at the CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday.

Pinnick, who has served as a FIFA Council member since 2021, lost by a single vote, securing 28 votes, while Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania and Souleman Hassan Waberi of Djibouti each garnered 29 votes to claim seats on the global football governing body.

Olopade commended Pinnick for his unwavering dedication to football development, expressing confidence that the setback would serve as a stepping stone to greater achievements in his already distinguished career.

“I am very proud of you, Amaju Melvin Pinnick. You fought to the very end like the strong man that you are. You had a remarkable stint in CAF and FIFA, where you used your network to position many Nigerians and made significant contributions to our country.

“I came to Egypt alongside the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give you all the necessary support. We saw firsthand how the politics of electing only serving federation presidents played out. Despite this, you lost by just one vote.

“I am sure if the canceled ballot had been counted, there might have been a three-way tie at 29 votes,” he added.

Olopade further acknowledged the support Pinnick received from key figures in Nigerian football governance, urging him to remain grateful for his contributions and continued opportunities in football administration.

“You should be proud of yourself and thankful to President Bola Tinubu, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, and General Secretary Sanusi Mohammed. Above all, you must count your blessings and thank God Almighty for what He has done for you and what is yet to come.

“My friend, my brother, and my compatriot, I love you, and I am proud of you,” Olopade concluded.