‘Nigeria gained nothing from Pinnick’s tenure in FIFA Council’

As mixed reactions continue to trail Amaju Pinnick’s exit from the FIFA Council, former Green Eagles player and 1984 AFCON silver medalist, Paul Okoku says Nigeria football gained nothing from his administration.

Okoku spoke from his base in the United States of America, just as other stakeholders including former Green Eagles winger, Adegoke Adelabu, ex-national team player, Harrison Jalla and former chairman of Gombe FC, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe advised Nigerian sports administrators to learn how to conduct themselves while occupying public offices.

Pinnick’s regime in FIFA Council came to an end on Wednesday during an election in Cairo, Egypt, where he lost to some candidates from relatively unknown football playing nations, Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania and Souleman Hassan Waberi of Djibouti.

“This is not about celebrating anyone’s downfall,” Okoku told The Guardian. “Instead, Pinnick’s exit should serve as a wake-up call. If Nigeria ever secures another FIFA Council seat, it must go to someone who prioritises national interest over personal ambition. Nigerian football cannot continue to be governed by policies that fail to reflect our realities.

“When Pinnick secured a spot on the FIFA Council, it was seen as a significant breakthrough for Nigerian football. His presence offered a rare chance to shape policies at the highest level and push for reforms that could strengthen Nigeria’s footballing structures. However, despite holding this prestigious position, there is little evidence that Nigerian football truly benefited from his tenure.”

Okoku continued: “If Pinnick had used his FIFA influence to push for financial accountability within the NFF, perhaps Nigerian coaches and players wouldn’t be forced to beg for their