Despite the series of hurdles faced by the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, his continuous rise amid stiff political turbulence undoubtedly defies human comprehension in its entirety.
From how he emerged the leader of the Nigeria football house and managed his office for years while facing legal battles, Pinnick was still able to deliver seeming national results and also gave Nigeria a respectful position in the world of continental football politics.
Just about four days ago, when one would have thought the crisis in the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has reached its height, after Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung ordered Amaju’s removal in office, he [Amaju Pinnick] got appointed by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, as Vice president of the African soccer-ruling body.
According to the CAF Scribe, Amaju’s promotion was necessitated by the resignation of the first Vice President, Kwesi Nyantaky who was also the President of Ghana Football Association.
The letter of appointment reads thus: ‘’Following the resignation of the 1st Vice President, Mr Kwesi Nyantaky, CAF President, after consulting the members of the Emergency Committee, appointed Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick as 1st Vice President.
This decision is immediately applicable, in accordance with article 27 para 2 of the Statutes, which will be ratified by the Executive Committee in its session scheduled on the 27 ad 28 September 2018. We thank you for kindly taking note’’.
The letter was signed by Secretary General of CAF, Amr Fahmy and dated July 5, 2018..
By this appointment, Amaju Pinnick has become the most powerful football administrator in West Africa and second most powerful in Africa. Before now, Amaju was also appointed president of two high profile committees of the body.
The NFF boss oversees the Africa Cup of Nations committee which will see him in charge of the organization of all nations cup tournaments. Former CAF President Issa Hayatou chaired the last AFCON committee.
Pinnick also holds the leadership baton of the Media committee of the continental football body.
He is also a member of the Organising Committee of the World Cup and has been in charge of many World Cup matches ongoing in Russia.