Amaju Pinnick Loses FIFA Council Seat By Narrow Margin.
Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has lost his bid to retain his seat in the FIFA Council, falling short by just one vote.
In the highly competitive election, Pinnick secured 28 votes, missing out to Souleiman Hassan Waberi of Djibouti, who claimed the final available spot with 29 votes.
The election results saw Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa emerge as the top candidate with 49 votes, followed by Hani Abou Rida of Egypt and Djibrilla Hima Hamidou of Niger, both securing 35 votes. Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Waberi completed the list of elected officials, each receiving 29 votes.
Final Voting Results:
1. Fouzi Lekjaa – 49 votes (elected)
2. Hani Abou Rida – 35 votes (elected)
3. Djibrilla Hima Hamidou – 35 votes (elected)
4. Ahmed Yahya – 29 votes (elected)
5. Souleiman Waberi – 29 votes (elected)
6. Amaju Pinnick – 28 votes
7. Andrew Kamanga– 19 votes
8. Yacine Diallo – 18 votes
9. Augustin Senghor – 13 votes
10. Mathurin de Chacus – withdrew from the race
In the women’s category, Kanizat Ibrahim emerged victorious with 30 votes, securing a seat in the FIFA Council. Lydia Nsekera and Isha Johansen trailed behind with 13 and 7 votes, respectively.
Pinnick, who previously served on the FIFA Council, will now have to reassess his next steps in international football governance. His exit marks a shift in African representation within the global football body, as new faces take on key roles in shaping the future of the sport.