Use your FIFA position to Nigeria’s advantage - Buhari tells Pinnick

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, to use his position in the FIFA Council to ensure that Nigeria’s sporting image gets a boost.

President Buhari gave the charge on Friday when he received in audience, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, and Mr Pinnick, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

While congratulating the NFF Boss over his entrance into new FIFA’s highest decision-making organ, the President assured him of Nigeria’s support in his new position.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President expressed optimism that Pinnick’s membership of FIFA Council, ”will provide benefits that will lead to the advancement of football in Africa and Nigeria.

”The position on the Council of the world’s football governing body, FIFA, comes at a time when Nigeria is determined to turn the fortunes of her sports development around through better infrastructure, more investment both public and private government incentives.

“Without prejudice to the continental nature of your assignment at the Council, I urge you to use your position to ensure Nigeria’s sporting image receives a boost.

”I know this position will assist Nigeria get technical and financial support from FIFA; and your position should create a platform for other Nigerians to enter into the FIFA family and other international Sports Federations,” he said.