Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, has been appointed Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, marking his return to the global football body.
Pinnick, who previously served on the FIFA Council, has been given another opportunity to represent Nigeria on the world stage.
Read Also: Chile 2025: Nigeria Players Missing as FIFA Picks Seven Stars from Group Stage
However, while congratulatory messages continue to pour in, former NFF board member, Barrister Chris Green, has used the moment to challenge Pinnick to ensure that his new role benefits Nigerian football in tangible ways.
Green expressed concerns that past international appointments held by Nigerian officials have not translated into meaningful growth for the country’s football development.
He urged Pinnick to use his renewed influence at FIFA to drive reforms and secure resources that will strengthen football structures back home.
“How would these sumptuous appointments benefit Nigeria football?” Green asked.
“How would they bring at least six FIFA Goal Projects like other African countries that have more than eight?
How will these positions guarantee technical training and certification programmes for our coaches and technical departments?
How would they help develop our already declining football?”
He also questioned how Nigeria could leverage such appointments to secure CAF approvals for stadiums, access technical equipment for clubs, and create staff development opportunities across state football associations.
In addition to Pinnick, Aisha Falode has been appointed to the FIFA Media and Communications Committee, while A.U. Mustapha (SAN), former President of the CAF Appeal Board, joins the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee.
Green urged both Falode and the current NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, to use their international platforms to attract training and facilities for Nigerian football media and administrators.
“I want Aisha to help our football media professionals get the training we desperately need,” Green said.
“Let Gusau, Pinnick, and others use their positions to secure facilities, equipment, and training like other countries have received from FIFA. I only set this agenda for the interest of Nigeria. Who is happy with the state of our football? I want these appointments to count.”
Green’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among Nigerian football stakeholders who hope that these international roles will translate into real progress at home.
