Pinnick steps down as CAF 1st vice president

Amaju Pinnick, president of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has stepped down as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) first vice president.

Pinnick stepped down on Thursday, while at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) ongoing in Egypt.

Constant Omari, Guinea’s FA president replaced Pinnick as CAF 1st Vice President.

While Fouzi Lekjaa of Mauritania and Danny Jordaan of South Africa were named as 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents respectively.

There are reports that he was removed over a row with Ahmad Ahmad, president of CAF, but in a statement, the NFF said Pinnick’s tenure had eneded.

“The term of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick as the 1st Vice President of the Confederation of African Football along with that of the 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents expired today,” the statement read.

“In line with Article 22(4) of the CAF Statutes, every two years when elections are held at the CAF Congress (as took place today), the CAF Executive Committee on the proposal of the CAF President, elects a 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice President respectively from among its members.

“Significantly the renewal of Amaju Pinnick’s tenure was not proposed by the CAF President because of fundamental differences on focus and direction.

“Pinnick accepted the decision of the President as it aligned with his own view having considered matters surrounding the administration of African Football which has dovetailed into the Nigerian Football space.

“He will however remain a bonafide member of the CAF Executive Committee to continue with his mandate as such.”