By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Former Super Eagles defender and Anambra Football Association chairmanship aspirant, Chikelue Iloenyosi has heaped praises on the Federal Government especially President Muhammadu Buhari for rallying support for Nigeria’s candidate in the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Council seat, Amaju Melvin Pinnick.
Pinnick who is the incumbent President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) contested and won the FIFA Council seat, the highest decision-making body of the world football governing body yesterday in Rabat, Morocco during Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) General Election.
The Nigerian who beat his rival and incumbent, Walter Nyamilandu of Malawi by 43 to 8 to step into the exalted 37-member FIFA Council, also was named CAF Vice President which has made him Member, Executive Committee of CAF.
But Chikelue who is also Special Assistant to NFF President on Security Matters has argued that Pinnick could not have succeeded in getting the top positions without the support or full backing of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Said he: “Pinnick could not have killed two birds with one stone without the unflinching support from the Nigerian leader (Buhari); the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare; Permanent Secretary, Emeka Anako and other stakeholders like Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) InterPol, Umar Garba Baba”.
“I am aware that Pinnick encountered many obstacles on the way to realise his ambition. Some of the opposition came from within but by the grace of God and strong support from the Federal Government and some individuals he succeeded in getting what he wants”, he stated.
Chikelue who played his club football in Germany in his active days however congratulated Pinnick for the achievements and urged him to use the new position to advance the course of Nigerian and African football.
He said: “I will use this medium to Congratulate my boss. I am happy for him and wish him a successful tenure both in FIFA and CAF. I will also encourage him to use the new position to promote Nigeria and African football “.
