NFF crisis: How Pinnick saved Nigeria from early ban

Unknown to many, world football governing body FIFA’s hammer would have fallen on Nigeria but for  the intervention of Amaju Pinnick, the embattled President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who solicited for more time for the resolution of the crisis facing the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The NFF was thrown into crisis last week when the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, directed Ambassador Chris Giwa to take over as the president of the Federation.

Following this, FIFA which frowns at football matters being taken to the civil court, had resolved to place a ban on the country but had to delay in  taking such decision due to the influence and cordial relationship between the body and Pinnick.

The Tribunesport source currently in Russia for the World Cup disclosed that Pinnick had solicited more time for Nigeria to put their house in order.

Pinnick, according to the source, was said to have told FIFA that a ban on Nigeria would have portrayed the country in a bad light before the world and will give the Federal Government a bad image

“FIFA was ready to clamp down on Nigeria but for the intervention of Pinnick, who would not have anything of such happen to the country. He pleaded for more time to put the house back to shape, saying that it was a family affair with the optimism that the matter would soon be settled as soon as possible,” the source said.

The source continues: “This development led FIFA tutoring down on the letter written to the NFF last week wherein it was demanded that the true picture of situations in the NFF be communicated to them.

Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the secretary-general of the Pinnick faction of the NFF was said to have sent a reply to FIFA on Friday evening.