MONEY DELIVERED TO PINNICK? NO, WE PAID SUPPORT FUNDING DIRECTLY INTO NFF CBN ACCOUNT – RIVERS STATE

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The Rivers State Ministry of Sports has rebuffed media reports that money recieved in form of support and donation for International friendly game between Nigeria and Congo DR was delivered to the residence of NFF President, Amaju Pinnick in Lagos.

In a statement signed by media aide to the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Sammy Wejinya, the ministry said contrary to media reports all the money as it relates to the game was paid directly into NFF CBN account.

“It has come to the notice of the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, stories circulating in some sections of the media, that the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick received  funds meant for the Federation’s prosecution of the International friendly match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Congo DR held in Port Harcourt on Monday, May 28, 2018. The reports claim that money was delivered to Mr Pinnick at his residence in Lagos”, the ministry said.

In his reaction, Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Boma Iyaye described the reports as untrue.

 “At no time was money from the Rivers State Ministry of Sports paid into the account of Mr Pinnick or delivered to him personally in his residence. All monies meant for the successful prosecution of the International friendly game between Nigeria and Congo DR were paid directly into the CBN remita Bank account of the NFF and handled by the Rivers State Ministry of Sports,” Honourable Iyaye said.

Hon. Iyaye further stated that Rivers State decided to support the hosting of the International friendly match in Port Harcourt the Super Eagles commenced their quest to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the City with a preliminary round qualifying game against Swaziland.

It also came against the backdrop of the launching of the partnership between Rivers State and Real Madrid for the establishment of a world class football academy in Rivers State which was attended by key NFF chieftains who also attended the international friendly game played earlier on the same day in Port Harcourt.

Hon Iyaye concluded by advising the media to always cross check their stories to ensure that facts are reported accurately and guarantee that the image of Nigerian football is not damaged.