FG endorses Pinnick as NFF president to avoid FIFA’s hammer

The federal government has recognised the Amaju Pinnick-led executive as the authentic leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Laolu Akande, special assistant to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo made the announcement via Twitter handle on Monday.

The announcement comes shortly before the deadline given by FIFA for the resolution of the leadership tussle in the Nigerian football governing body.

“The FG has already conveyed to FIFA its firm position recognizing Amaju Pinnick-led NFF as the current & only NFF Exco,” Akande wrote.

“Government 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.”

The NFF secretariat had been occupied at different times by both the Chris Giwa and Pinnick factions of the federation’s congress

The world football governing body had said it will suspend Nigeria from football activities if they failed to comply with its instructions by Monday.

It had described the NFF crisis as “undue interference in their (the football body) affairs’’.

It had also said Nigeria must ensure the NFF offices in Abuja were occupied by the Amaju Pinnick faction of the federation’s Congress by Monday.