Pinnick Reinstated As Nigeria Avoids FIFA Ban

Nigeria has escaped the wrath of the World football governing body after giving back leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation to FIFA-backed Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

It comes on the heels of news that Pinnick had been given back control of the federation.

“Following the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council of 13 August 2018 concerning the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), FIFA received confirmations that the legitimate leadership of the NFF under President Amaju Melvin Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi has been given back effective control of the NFF and its offices,” FIFA said in a dispatch over the latest occurrence.

FIFA has expressed happiness with the current situation but warned that they would continue to monitor the situation.

“In view of these circumstances, FIFA deems that the conditions set by the decision of the Bureau of the FIFA Council have now been met and consequently the suspension of the NFF will not take effect.”

“FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation in order to ensure that FIFA’s rules and regulations are fully adhered to,” the communiqué read.

FIFA gave Nigeria seven days to reinstate Amaju Melvin Pinnick as football boss or risk facing their ire over interference with the running of football.

The NFF crisis dates back to 2014 following the 30th September NFF elections that saw Pinnick emerge as the winner but the losing candidate Chris Giwa disputed the outcome and took the matter to courts.

The crisis took a new turn July 2 when the Chris Giwa-led faction took over the glasshouse secretariat of the NFF citing a court judgment.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung who is reported to be in good books with Pinnick, ordered the NFF comply with the Supreme Court verdict that overturned the Sept. 30, 2014 election of NFF president, Amaju Pinnick.