Amaju Pinnick, the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has been appointed as a special advisor to Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This appointment marks a significant return for Pinnick to the upper echelons of African football administration, following his recent departure from the FIFA Executive Committee. Motsepe, during a press conference, expressed his delight at Pinnick’s return, highlighting the widespread respect and admiration Pinnick commands within the CAF community. This new role solidifies Pinnick’s position as a prominent figure in African football, acknowledging his substantial contributions to the sport’s growth and development on the continent.
Pinnick’s appointment as a special advisor entails direct involvement in CAF’s executive decision-making processes. He will be attending all executive committee meetings, offering his expertise and insights to President Motsepe and the CAF leadership. This advisory role underscores Pinnick’s extensive experience and knowledge of African football, gained through his years of leadership within the NFF and his previous tenure as CAF’s first vice president. It also represents a vote of confidence from Motsepe, recognizing Pinnick’s ability to contribute meaningfully to CAF’s strategic direction and ongoing initiatives.
The appointment is a significant development in Pinnick’s career, reaffirming his influence and stature within the footballing world. Despite losing his seat on the FIFA Executive Committee, Pinnick’s return to CAF in this advisory capacity demonstrates his continued relevance and the value he brings to the table. It signifies that his contributions to football administration are still highly regarded and sought after. The role also provides him with a platform to continue shaping the future of African football, albeit from a different vantage point.
Pinnick’s football administration journey began with his presidency of the NFF, a position he held for two terms, from 2014 to 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw significant developments in Nigerian football, including improvements in the national teams’ performance and the development of grassroots football initiatives. His leadership also brought about enhanced professionalism and governance within the NFF, strengthening the federation’s structure and operations. His achievements at the NFF laid the foundation for his subsequent involvement in continental and global football administration.
Before his appointment as special advisor, Pinnick had served as CAF’s first vice president under then-president Ahmad Ahmad from 2018 to 2019. This period provided him with invaluable experience in navigating the complexities of continental football governance. He gained insights into the challenges and opportunities facing African football, solidifying his understanding of the diverse needs and aspirations of member associations. This experience will undoubtedly inform his contributions in his new advisory role, allowing him to offer nuanced and practical advice to President Motsepe.
Pinnick’s involvement in football administration extends beyond the African continent. He has served on the FIFA Council, becoming the third Nigerian to hold this prestigious position, following in the footsteps of Oyo Orok Oyo and Amos Adamu. He also currently serves on the Organizing Committee for FIFA competitions, a role that underscores his expertise in event management and his understanding of the intricacies of international football tournaments. This broad range of experience at both national, continental, and global levels makes him a valuable asset to CAF and further strengthens his credentials as a leading figure in football administration. His appointment as special advisor is not merely a symbolic gesture; it represents a strategic move by CAF to leverage his extensive experience and expertise for the betterment of African football.
