By Amaechi Agbo

World football governing body, FIF has cleared Nigeria Football Federation President, NFF to contest for the membership of the FIFA Council.

Pinnick, former first Vice President of the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF while announcing the clearance on Tuesday also stated what why he is pushing to join the council.  

The FIFA Council elections are scheduled for Morocco on 12 March 2021.

“As part of my commitment to keep pushing Nigerian and African football forwards and upwards, I would like to announce that I have now been cleared by the FIFA Review Committee to seek a position on the FIFA Council at the forthcoming elections scheduled for the 43rd Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football; CAF, coming up in Rabat, Morocco on the 12th of March, later this year,” Pinnick announced.

In presenting his manifesto after the clearance was granted, the former Delta State Football, Association Chairman said he would continue to push for more representation of African continent in world football.

He reiterated that under his leadership of the NFF, the federation which was 100% dependent on government financing before he assumed office in 2014 has now become 60% self-sufficient.

“The FIFA Review Committee has extremely stringent integrity, eligibility and security checks, and it is the first major step in seeking a seat at World Football’s governing table.

“With that extremely important test passed, I can continue to push for more representation of the African continent in world football.

“Since 2014, when I first got into the office of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, I have always maintained that Nigeria and Africa deserves to be more visible in the administration of World Football and this is still part of that quest Before our board came, Nigeria football was almost 100% Govt.-dependent. Now, we have attained 60% self-sufficiency with our drive to be totally financially independent still in effect.

“Hopefully, the next President of the Federation will build on what we have done and are doing, while ensuring that the relationships we have nurtured with Corporate Nigeria over time continues.”

Pinnick pleaded for the support of his friends and foes alike as well as the media to help he realise the dream of being a member of the FIFA Council.

“I have been a member of the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football, and remain a member, while also becoming a member of the Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions.

“The experience I have gathered over time has been truly invaluable and I know I can contribute a lot more to the World game while championing African interests as well.

“I’m hoping to get the support of my friends and critics alike, as I take the next inevitable step, while counting on the massive goodwill I have gotten over the years from the football press and public.”