The controversial dynamics of the forthcoming CAF exco elections cannot be fully accentuated…
It is a tough contest between President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick and Benin FA boss Moucharafou Anjorin; for CAF Executive Committee position next month -March 2017. Anjorin -the incumbent, has his first term challenged by Nigeria’s Pinnick in next month’s CAF exco elections in Ethiopia.
The Benin FA boss is however, not finding funny the fact that NFF’s Pinnick who is only in his second year as the FA boss, is contesting to represent West Africa on CAF’s highest decision-making body -the Executive Committee. Anjorin is also pained over 9the fact that Nigeria has long overshadowed other countries in the leadership of CAF.
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Speaking on a radio program, the Benin FA boss said that Pinnick’s inexperience should not be overlooked by stakeholders, simply because he is a Nigerian. He stressed that the size of Nigeria must not be used as a criterion to elect someone onto CAF’s board.
Anjorin who defeated Nigeria’s Aminu Maigari four years ago in Morocco, is seeking a re-election on CAF board. He is hoping to get support from Nigerians as he has more experience and exposure in the world of African football.
Amaju Pinnick said to have so Much to Learn
According to reports, the NFF boss has failed woefully in the management of the NFF. The embattled CAF exco hopeful has been reported to be on cold war with his Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi. The NFF boss is said to be loathed among various women national teams, the U-17 and U-20, as well as Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
It has been a bumpy ride for Amaju Pinnick whose bid to contest in the CAF exco elections has been met with tons of protests.
How it all began: Pinnick had revealed last year, his plans of vying for a slot in the CAF executive committee ahead of this year’s elections. His bid however, was met with mixed reactions from stakeholders -many of which were cautions to the NFF boss against vying for the position.
CAF President Issa Hayatou had advised Pinnick against taking such a huge leap ahead of queue, of more experienced FA bosses to be on the highest decision-making body of African football. The CAF boss was of the opinion that he -Pinnick, is still new in the system and that there are many other experienced FA presidents planning to be on the executive committee.
The advice of the CAF boss and other governing stakeholders were however, of no significance to the embattled NFF boss. Without due consideration of the possible consequences of his decision, and without any endorsement from the NFF executive committee. Pinnick went ahead to submit his nomination for the CAF exco elections.
Pinnick’s undeterred move to submit his nomination was seen, as a direct confrontation with the CAF boss, the Nigerian Sports Minister Solomon Dalung and many other stakeholders calling for him to rescind his bid.
But owing to the fact that the NFF boss’rival Anjorin and the CAF boss himself both share the same view of profound inexperience on his part, the question now is; will Pinnick survive the elections?
Many critics have also shared the opinion of the CAF boss, saying that Pinnick should first of all learn how to successfully manage his domain -the NFF, before going international.
The raging controversy surrounding Pinnick’s candidacy for the CAF exco committee, had as a matter of fact; caused the Sports Minister Solomon Dalung to consider replacing the ‘inexperienced contender’ with someone else. But unfortunately, CAF has said that the Nigerian representative cannot be replaced for the forthcoming CAF Exco elections. This leaves Nigeria with no choice than to support their own at the elections slated for March 17.
However, not minding the slight difference in nationality, Anjorin who referred to Pinnick as ‘a small boy’ has called on Nigerians to support him during the elections, giving the circumstances. Anjorin who says he has Nigerian blood flowing in his veins, has asked that he be supported by the country.
Ghana Football Association (GFA’s) Kwesi Nyantakyi and Anjorin Moucharafou of Benin FA are the incumbent representatives of West Africa, but the latter has two more years on his mandate. With incumbency advantage on his side, Anjorin is hoping to retain his seat at the CAF executive council after the elections in March.
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