NFF crisis: Presidency backs Pinnick

The Presidency has thrown its weight behind the Amaju Pinnick-led leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation ((NFF) as the sole and authentic leadership of the football body.

In a move ostensibly meant to stave off imminent ban of Nigeria by the world football ruling body, FIFA, over its leadership crisis, the federal government has decided to recognize the Pinnick board which had been disputed by the Chris Giwa faction.

The decision to recognize the Pinnick leadership has already been communicated to FIFA.

The federal government also recommitted Nigeria to fulfilling its obligations under FIFA statutes.

It affirmed that it will work with all stakeholders to resolve all disputes in the Nigerian football house.

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Senior Special Assistant to the president, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, confirmed this in a tweet on Monday.

Writing under his personal handle @ojakande, he tweeted: “The FG has already conveyed to FIFA its firm position recognizing Amaju Pinnick-led NFF as the current & only NFF Exco.

“Goverment 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.”

FIFA had given Nigeria up till Monday to resolve the leadership crisis of risk a ban from all football related activities.