Buhari to Pinnick: Provide 10-year plan for youth football development

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged Amaju Pinnick, president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to provide a ten-year football master plan in line with FIFA’s commitment to the development of the sport.

The president was speaking on Friday during a meeting with Sunday Dare, minister of youth and sports development, and Pinnick.

While congratulating Pinnick on his FIFA council membership, Buhari said his position should “provide benefits that will lead to the advancement of football in Nigerian and Africa”.

“I want to see Nigeria’s football develop and move in a more dynamic trajectory from football administration to youth and grassroots football, talent hunt and use of Nigeria’s home-based talents,” Buhari said in a statement by Femi Adesina.

“Nigeria also needs a more privatized and better organised football regime that can rival others in Europe and America.”

“I know this position will assist Nigeria get technical and financial support from FIFA; and your position should create a platform for other Nigerians to enter into the FIFA family and other International Sports Federations.

“The position on the Council of the world’s football governing body, FIFA, comes at a time when Nigeria is determined to turn the fortunes of her sports development around through better infrastructure, more investment both public and private government incentives.

“Without prejudice to the continental nature of your assignment at the Council, I urge you to use your position to ensure Nigeria’s sporting image receives a boost.”

In March, Pinnick was elected into FIFA’s executive council during the CAF electoral congress in Rabat, Morocco.