Nigerian Football: Ibrahim Gusau replaces Amaju Pinnick as new NFF President
Elections held on Friday 30 September in Benin City saw Ibrahim Gusau emerging victorious over NFF presidential candidates from the former board; Mallam Shehu Dikko, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.
Gassau becomes the new president of the Nigeria Football Federation, effectively replacing Amaju Pinnick who held the post for the longest term in the organization’s history with a total of 8 years of service.
Amid allegations of vote-buying, Enyimba Chairman, Chief Felix Anyansi emerged as the NFF 1st Vice President, replacing Seyi Akinwunmi with 23 votes, beating Senator Obinna Ogba (eight votes). On October 5, Pinnick and Sunday Dare, the sports minister, are anticipated to appear in court to address the issues surrounding the recent election.
The incoming 58-year-old president Gasau is a civil servant with the Ministry of Finance in Zamfara State, and a qualified accountant by profession. He is also a member of the CAF Organizing Committee for the African Nations Championship, a safety and security officer with the CAF, and has been an NFF Chairman for 8 years as an executive member of the NFF board under Pinnick.
Gasau’s combined experience, as some claim, makes him the best candidate to run an organization that has recently been plagued by financial mismanagement, corruption, and subpar domestic league performance.
Amaju Pinnick who had the support of FIFA in spite of corruption allegations has been praised by others for bringing on board important sponsors. However, his opponents refer to his failure to leave any significant legacy in eight years for both the men’s and women’s national teams. Some say he will be remembered as a man who achieved personal goals but fell short of capturing the hearts of West African football supporters.
The outgoing president Pinnick will now focus on his roles at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the international organization FIFA, he said.
According to local media, Pinnick canceled plans to seek a third term after his bid was rejected by a group of supporters led by Gusau.
