'You forced us to support Ghana' — Knocks for Pinnick at 52

Immediate past Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) chief Amaju Pinnick turns 52 today, December 1, 2022.

Contrary to expectations, some Nigerian football enthusiasts have aimed a dig at the football administrator blaming the former CAF vice president for Nigeria's football woes.

Taking to his Instagram in the early hours of Thursday, December 1, the FIFA Executive Committee member wrote,

“It's my birthday today 1st December 2022. I thank God Almighty for His uncommon Favours, Mercies Grace, Protection, Projection & Deep Love in my life. No doubt,I am DIVINE AND COVENANT BEING OF THE ALMIGHTY. YOU ONLY I WILL GIVE ALL THE PRAISES. I AM YOUR DEFINITION OF A TRUE TESTIMONY. OUR LORD IS GREAT. THANK YOU, JESUS, THANK YOU JESUS, THANK YOU JESUS.”

Following his post, some Nigerian fans took to the comment section to slam the ex-NFF President for the Super Eagles lack of representation in Qatar.

@gamechanger24.7 wrote, “You are directly the cause of Nigeria not qualifying for the ongoing World Cup… and you feel it’s a perfect day to advertise your birthday… while millions of Nigerians have to force themselves to Support Ghana ????????…??!”

@hibeekayyy4ril said, “Oloriburuku e no go beta for u”

@saintfrancis_of_assisi added, “This one wey you bend your neck so, person hit plank for neck?”

Despite the criticisms, some fans hailed the former Delta State Football Chairman on his special day.

@cobhamsasuquo wrote, “Happy birthday sir!???? God's blessings and more wins????”

@juliepinnick said, “My king, I love you ❤️”

@officialmccasino added, “happy birthday my mentor and multipurpose leader.”

Amaju Pinnick became the first NFF president to see two terms in office, from 2014 to 2022.

Under his watch, Nigeria won the U-17 World Cup for the fifth time in 2015 after the Golden Eaglets beat their African counterparts Mali 2-0 in Vina Del Mar, Chile.

The Super Falcons won back-to-back Women’s Nations Cup in 2016 and 2018 during Pinnick's administration.

He stepped down as NFF boss in September having earlier declared that he won't be running for a third term in office.

WDN