Vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has given his nod of approval to Amaju Melvin Pinnick as the authentic head of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and confirmation of the Delta State sports administrator’s group as the recognised executive committee of the nation’s soccer governing body.
This follows a statement on Monday by Osinbajo’s special assistant of media and public relations, that the federal government will henceforth obey all regulations guiding the running of football in the country.
Recognising Pinnick as NFF president, the federal government of Nigeria also agreed to abide with all treaties the soccer body has entered with FIFA.
Akande made the confirmation via his official Twitter handle at 11.38am, few minutes before the 12pm deadline given by FIFA for the resolution of the NFF leadership tussle.
He disclosed further that the Nigerian government had also already forwarded the timely decision to FIFA, which had on Tuesday warned that it would suspend Nigeria from global football activities if it failed to comply with its instructions by Monday at noon (CET).
FIFA, in a statement by its Media Office, said it had been notified about ongoings in the NFF, and it viewed them as undue interference in their affairs, and Nigeria must ensure the offices in Abuja were occupied by Pinnick’s faction at noon on Monday.
However, before that deadline, Akande tweeted: “The FG has already conveyed to FIFA its firm position recognizing Amaju Pinnick-led NFF as the current & only NFF Exco.
“Govt will also continue to work with all relevant stakeholders involved to resolve dispute in a timely manner. FG is upholding NFF treaty obligations to FIFA.”
