December 12, 2015 – President of Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has expressed disgust at a statement in an opinion article published in an online publication that its President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, introduced FIFA U-17 World Cup top scorer, Victor Osimhen to English Premiership club, Arsenal FC.
“The statement is an outright falsehood and has libel content. I have been a fan of Arsenal FC long before I became NFF President. I support the Club as any other fan and not as a football agent. I have never introduced any player to the Club, and certainly did not take Victor Osimhen there,” NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said on Friday.
Challenging the writer to come up with proof of when and where, and to whom he introduced Osimhen, Pinnick urged media representatives to always set much store by thoroughness and research. “We are determined to monitor the progress of young footballers so that they can only sign contracts that will benefit their careers and only in the best interest of the nation, not as football agents.”
Pinnick also sneezed at isolated comments against the leadership training program for NFF Congressmen in the United Kingdom: “The NFF has come out to explain several times that the leadership summit in London was sponsored by ZENITH Bank, FROT Group and ARIK Airline, as well as the positive impact this will have on development of our football from the grassroots. We are shocked that some persons do not see the benefits of Chairmen of Football Associations in the States – custodians of grassroots development – enhancing their capacity in football administration.”
Pinnick sympathized with a few analysts and commentators who may be seeking cheap publicity by taking digs at the NFF, but urged them to consider the interest of Nigeria football above their aspirations.
“The NFF has never claimed to be perfect; at every turn, we demand fair and constructive criticisms. But a few individuals insist on half –truths and falsehood and this is not good for Nigeria football.
“The NFF has explained several times the circumstances we found ourselves before opting for the NIKE contract, which terms are flexible and will get better as we go along. We will continue to respect the views and advice of the overwhelming majority of media persons who are always objective and profer solutions at every turn.”
