NFF election: I don't have a candidate in this race - Pinnick

Outgoing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick has denied insinuation in some quarters that he has a preferred candidate to succeed him before he leaves office in a few weeks.

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After Pinnick clarified his candidacy for a third term, he denied new rumors that he would endorse any particular candidate for the September 30 elections slated to take place in Benin City. Edo State.

The FIFA Council member, who is also part of CAF's executive committee, made the clarification to his office on Wednesday when he met with the three members of his executive board who are all interested in becoming the next President of the NFF.

Participants in Wednesday's meeting are current NFF 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi; LMC 2nd Vice President/Chairman, Shehu Dikko and current Club Presidents Chairman, Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

The trio have secured forms to compete for the number one position in Nigerian football at the upcoming NFF Elective General Assembly.

Pinnick, who is weeks away from completing an eight-year (two-term) term, advised all interested candidates to pursue their ambition in the most serene manner.

“I called this meeting to assure you that I have no candidate in this race. Each of you is my candidate because we have worked and walked together for the past eight years, at the seeking the best for Nigerian football.

“I believe you are all targeting the position so that we can consolidate the small gains we have been able to make and preserve or even exceed our legacy,” Pinnick said in an official statement posted to his on behalf of the director of NFF communication, Ademola Olajire.

Pinnick added: "I urge you all to conduct campaigns with the utmost decency, to avoid any form of acerbic outpourings, and to remember that we all belong to the same family that has worked for the best interests of the Nigerian football for the past eight years. . I wish each and every one of you the very best with the Electoral College.”

Akinwunmi, who is also the president of the Lagos State Football Association, takes on Gusau, the president of the Zamfara State Football Association and Dikko, among others, including the former international player Idah Peterside, CAF Safety and Security Officer, Christian Emeruwa, and former Kano Pillars President, Abba Abdullahi Yola.

“The desire to serve should never be a matter of do or die. We remain an indivisible family committed to the growth of Nigerian football,” added Pinnick.

"I will always be there to lend my support and encouragement to whoever wins. As a member of the highest bodies of FIFA and CAF, I am always one of the key players in Nigerian football. Our football deserves the best candidate with the best programs that will propel the game to greater heights."

Other interested parties have until Thursday, September 8, 2022 at midnight to collect their forms.

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