In just a few days time,  precisely on Wednesday 12 March, Africa will decide its representatives for the FIFA Council in the upcoming elections, set to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

With six positions available—five for men and one reserved for a female candidate—some of the continent’s biggest football administrators are locked in an intense battle for these influential seats.

Prominent figures like Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) President Fouzi Lekjaa and Egypt Football Federation (EFA) President Hany Abou Rida are among the favorites to retain their positions. Meanwhile, others, including Djibouti’s CAF Executive Committee member Souleiman Waberi and Zambia FA President Andrew Kamanga, are mounting strong campaigns for election.

This year’s election differs from previous ones due to the removal of language-based voting blocs, following a resolution from the 46th CAF General Assembly. This change introduces a new level of competitiveness, as candidates now have to appeal across linguistic lines rather than rely on regional alliances.

For the lone women’s position, Sierra Leone FA President Isha Johansen faces stiff competition from former FIFA Council member Lydia Nsekera of Burundi and CAF Vice President Kanizat Ibrahim from Comoros.

Why Amaju Pinnick’s Candidacy Matters for Nigeria

Among the candidates vying for a seat, one name stands out for Nigeria: Amaju Pinnick. A former two-term president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and a globally respected football administrator, Pinnick’s election would be a significant win for Nigerian football.

Nigerians should rally behind his candidacy:

Pinnick’s track record speaks for itself. As NFF President from 2014 to 2022, he played a crucial role in securing sponsorship deals for Nigerian football, improving financial stability, and pushing for domestic league reforms. His leadership helped the Super Eagles navigate financial challenges while strengthening Nigeria’s influence in African football.

His tenure on the CAF Executive Committee and his election to the FIFA Council in 2021 further prove his ability to operate at the highest levels of football governance.

One of Pinnick’s greatest strengths is his deep-rooted relationships with top football decision-makers, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA executives. These connections could be instrumental in securing investments, broadcasting deals, and developmental programs that benefit both Nigeria and Africa.

His presence on the FIFA Council would give Nigeria greater leverage in global football politics, ensuring that the country is not sidelined in key decisions, such as AFCON hosting rights and club competition allocations.

Pinnick has consistently pushed for reforms that enhance African football’s global competitiveness. He has championed:

    •    Increased World Cup slots for African teams
    •    Better infrastructural funding for grassroots football
    •    Financial independence for African football through high-value sponsorships

His election could help drive policies that ensure African football grows sustainably rather than depending on external funding.

 

Currently, Nigeria lacks strong representation in CAF’s leadership compared to nations like Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa. This has often resulted in the country being overlooked in crucial decisions.

With Pinnick in the FIFA Council, Nigeria would have a powerful advocate at the highest level of football governance, ensuring the country gets a fair share of opportunities in hosting rights, development programs, and financial allocations.

Under Pinnick’s NFF leadership, Nigeria’s youth teams, such as the U-17 and U-20 squads, remained competitive on the global stage. He also championed women’s football, ensuring the Super Falcons received better funding and international exposure.

His presence on the FIFA Council could help shape policies that increase grassroots football funding across Africa, providing young talents with better facilities, training, etc

Amaju Pinnick’s election to the FIFA Council is not just about individual ambition—it is a strategic move that benefits Nigerian and African football. His experience, global influence, and commitment to the game make him the ideal candidate to represent the continent at FIFA’s highest decision-making table.

Supporting Pinnick is supporting Nigerian football’s growth, ensuring that the country’s interests are well-represented in global football governance. His leadership could play a crucial role in elevating African football to new heights of professionalism, financial stability, and international competitiveness.

Nigerians must seize this opportunity and back Pinnick’s candidacy to secure a stronger future for football in the country and across the continent.