Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi battle for NFF Presidency

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Electoral Committee on Thursday released the list of candidates seeking to contest for positions in the Executive Committee of the body on Sept. 20.

Among the candidates vying for the president of the NFF includes incumbent, Amaju Pinnick, who is also the 1st Vice President of CAF, and member of the Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications said.

Also contesting for the position is Aminu Maigari, immediate past President of NFF, who was for several years Chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association.

Maigari also headed the Bauchi sub –seat for the FIFA U17 World Cup that Nigeria hosted nine years ago.

Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, former Nigeria international defender, also has his hat in the ring.

Ogunjobi captained and managed one of Nigeria’s foremost football clubs, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan.

He also served as Secretary General of then Nigeria Football Association (2002-2005) and was Member of the NFF Executive Committee 2006-2010.

He is presently Chairman of the Osun State Football Association.

There is also Chinedu Okoye, proprietor of amateur league club, Bimo FC.

For the position of 1st Vice President, there are two candidates; the incumbent, Seyi Akinwunmi, and another contender from the South West, Sunday Dele-Ajayi.

Incumbent Ibrahim Gusau will battle club proprietor, Ifeanyi Ubah for the slot of Chairman of Chairmen on the board.

For other positions on the Executive Committee, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, a Member of the present Board, is the only candidate from the North West.

The battle in the North Central has been somewhat narrowed with the withdrawal of FCT FA chairman Musa Talle.

However, Ahmed Yusuf and Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, ranking Members of the Board, have to contend with Busari Ishola, Chairman of Kwara State FA.

Similarly, incumbents Babagana Kalli and Musa Duhu from the North East have to contend with Farouk Yarma Adamu.

In the South East, Chidi Ofor Okenwa (presently Chairman of the Nigeria National League), will vie with Enyimba FC chairman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu (ranking Member of Board).

Others include, Jude Obikwelu (Vice Chairman, Anambra State FA); Emmanuel Ochiagha (Vice Chairman, Imo State FA) and Emeka Inyama (former Chairman of the NNL and former Chairman of NFF Marketing and Sponsorship, and also Chairman of NPFL side Abia Warriors).

From the South West, only Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Chairman of Ogun State FA, is seeking an Executive Committee position.

From the South South, Oswald Atuake from Cross River State is up against Emmanuel Ibah, chairman of the Akwa Ibom State FA.

The statement said that Elections into the NFF Executive Committee 2018-2022 would hold as scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 in the city of Katsina.

According to it, FIFA, has concluded plans to send a top ranking official as observer to the elections.