In contrast with reports that the reconciliation committee for Nigerian football, led by Abdulmumini Aminu has called for a postponement of next week’s Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) election, the current president of the soccer body, Amaju Pinnick has stepped up his efforts to win a second term at the helm.
Information reaching footballlive.ng reveals that Pinnick is in the race for a second term, but will have to outdo three other candidates in next Thursday election.
A ,media statement from the NFF indicates that the election will still hold on September 20, following the official release of the list of candidates for the polls by the NFF Electoral Committee on Friday.
Three others are battling for the presidency with Pinnick, who is also 1st Vice President of CAF, Member of the Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions and AFCON President.
Pinnick, a former chairman of Delta State Football Association and of Delta State Commission, is the highest placed Nigerian ever in football’s boardroom globally.
He has a cordial relationship with world football’s top hierarchy and his board also holds the ace of corporate Nigeria that has galvanized private sector funding of NFF’s activities.
There is also Alhaji Aminu Maigari, immediate past President of NFF, who was for several years Chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association and also headed the Bauchi sub –seat for the FIFA U17 World Cup that Nigeria hosted nine years ago.
Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, ex-international defender, who also captained and administered one of Nigeria’s traditional powerhouse clubs, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, is in the race.
He also served as Secretary General of then Nigeria Football Association (2002-2005) and was Member of the NFF Executive Committee 2006-2010.
Ogunjobi, who is presently Chairman of the Osun State Football Association, also has to contend with Chinedu Okoye, proprietor of amateur league club, Bimo FC.
For the 1st Vice President’s position, there are two, as the incumbent, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi slugs it out with another South West chieftain, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi.
Incumbent Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will battle club proprietor, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah for the slot of Chairman of Chairmen on the board.
For other positions on the Executive Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, a Member of the present Board, is the only candidate from the North West.
The battle in the North Central has been somewhat narrowed with the withdrawal of FCT FA chairman Musa Talle.
However, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh and Honourable Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, members of the Board, have to contend with Alhaji Busari Ishola, chairman of Kwara State FA.
Similarly, incumbents Babagana Kalli and Musa Duhu from the North East have to contend with Farouk Yarma Adamu.
In the South East, Hon. Chidi Ofor Okenwa (presently Chairman of the Nigeria National League), will vie with Enyimba FC chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (ranking Member of Board); and Barrister Jude Obikwelu (Vice Chairman, Anambra State FA).
Others are Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha (Vice Chairman, Imo State FA) and; High Chief Emeka Inyama, who is a former chairman of the NNL, ex-head of NFF Marketing and Sponsorship and chairman of NPFL side Abia Warriors.
From the South West, only Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, chairman of Ogun State FA, is seeking an Executive Committee member position. From the South South, Oswald Atuake from Cross River State is up against Emmanuel Ibah, chairman of the Akwa Ibom State FA.
A media statement by the soccer body also disclosed that elections into the NFF Executive Committee will hold as scheduled on Thursday, 20th September in the city of Katsina.
The report added: “World football –governing body, FIFA, has concluded plans to send a top ranking official as observer to the elections.”
