Former Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has been unsuccessful in his bid to retain a seat on the FIFA Council during the elections held at the 14th Extraordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt.
The election was a critical event for African football delegates, determining the continent’s representatives on the FIFA Council. Pinnick’s hopes were dashed when he finished with 28 votes, just one vote shy of the last available position.
Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco led the election with 49 votes, followed by Hani Abou Rida and Djibrilla Hima Hamidou, who both secured 35 votes. Ahmed Yahya also made it with 29 votes, while Souleiman Hassan Waberi of Djibouti clinched the final spot with another 29 votes.
Having served on the FIFA Council since 2021, Pinnick aimed to extend his influence in global football governance but found himself narrowly edged out.
In contrast, on the women’s side, Kanizat Ibrahim emerged victorious with 30 votes, while Lydia Nsekera and Isha Johansen received 13 and 7 votes, respectively.
Pinnick’s exit marks a notable shift in African football leadership as the continent retains seven seats on the FIFA Council, including one for the CAF president.
