The National Sports Commission Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko has, on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated former FIFA Council member and former CAF 1st Vice-President Amaju Pinnick on his appointment as Special Adviser to Confederation of African Football (CAF) President,Patrice Motsepe.

In a press conference on Saturday night, Motsepe told the media that Pinnick will serve as his Special Adviser and will be attending all CAF meetings while assisting him with quality advice and strategy in the delivery of his mandate as CAF President.

Mallam Dikko pointed out that Pinnick?s appointment is a clear testament to his giant stature in the continental and global football politics as well as his integrity, credibility and competence.

His words, ?This is not just a football thing, I have always told our sports administrators to aspire to be in prominent positions in their international bodies. Pinnick?s appointment has once more highlighted him as one of the leading lights in African and, indeed, world football. His track record of achievements speaks volumes.

?For the past 11 years, he has been a top player in global football using his positions to improve the lot of Nigerian football and sports generally. From being NFF President, WAFU Vice President, CAF Exco Member to 1st Vice-President of CAF and FIFA Council Member, Pinnick has been in the forefront of global football administration, a key player in football politics and has wielded so much positive influence towards the advancement and development of football globally.?

The NSC Chairman believes Pinnick?s current appointment will improve the lot of Nigerian football.

?In the past, he facilitated over 20 Nigerians to join him across WAFU, CAF and FIFA positions. These compatriots are still contributing immensely to the development of football across the globe and making Nigeria proud, all thanks to his facilitation, patriotism, selfless service and shared prosperity vision. I have no doubt that his current elevation will have similar effects on Nigerian football?, he added.

?It was for this reason that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR duly endorsed Pinnick as Nigeria?s candidate in the last FIFA Council elections while the NSC worked so hard on behalf of the Federal Government to provide the necessary support and enablers for his candidacy, to which he gave a very credible fight. His current appointment is therefore a validation of Mr. President?s vision to endorse his candidacy and reward for the Federal Government support?, he concluded.

Hon. Bukula Olopade, the NSC Director-General corroborated Dikko?s position thus, ?Pinnick has always carried Nigerian football flag high in global football politics. His dexterity and network at that level are top notch. I have no doubt that his wide network will boost Nigerian football even further. We are really proud of him and we will continue to provide all the requisite support to all competent and capable Nigerians to vie for top positions across all international sporting bodies.?

While justifying his choice of Pinnick, who was pivotal to his nomination as CAF President, Motsepe said, ?I did not know Amaju is so loved in CAF.? His new position therefore is a clear appreciation of his valued and what he can bring to the table towards football development in Africa in his new role as Special Adviser. (This Day)

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