Coup To Kick-out Pinnick Begins In NFF

The 13-man gov­erning board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by Amaju Pinnick could soon see a change in power.

According to a report by the Sun, Pinnick is aware that an influential member of the NFF is using his influence to turn members of the board against him as the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government investigates how Pinnick was voted in as the president.

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A source close to the Sun claims the coup plotter was the one who persuaded the Rivers State government to host the Si­erra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire game as well the friendly match victory against Niger on Tuesday.

The coup plotter also used his influence to convince the Kaduna state government to host the AFCON 2017 qualifier game against Chad after the Akwa Ibom state government rejected the offer.

The NFF source said almost all members of the NFF board are leaning towards this board member due to his work with the federation.

The source told the Sun: “Before coming on board, this particular man now giving Amaju sleep­less nights has been nice to all those on the board. He equally has all the contact you can think of. He was the one that got the Federal Ministry of Health to give NFF clearance to host the Sierra Leone, Cote D’Ivoire game. When Lagos State Government backed out, he got Rivers to save the situa­tion.”

It was also revealed that the coup plotter is a personal friend of the Kaduna state governor, Mallam El Rufai which allowed the Eagles to play Chad in Kaduna.

He continued: “He is the man pulling all the strings and this is one factor Amaju is not too comfortable with. The way things are go­ing, Pinnick is worried the board members could one day gang up and tell him to step aside.”

In his reaction, Amuju Pinnick told the Sun that he was not worried about any rumours regarding his position. The former Delta state FA chairman reminded the Sun that the NFF passed a vote of confidence in his leadership at their last meeting held on Tuesday.

Pinnick also said the NFF presidency is not a matter of life or death for him.

Meanwhile, the NFF has resolved to find a new coach for the Super Falcons who are being led by interim coach Christopher Danjuma after the sacking of Edwin Okon in July.

The NFF has also begun negotiations with three countries which they hope will play the Super Eagles in October.