Blatter Backs New NFF President, Pinnick

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has endorsed Amaju Pinnick as Nigeria
Football Federation (NFF) president.

Pinnick, 43, who is Delta State Sports Commission chairman and Delta
FA boss, was elected on Tuesday.

(Photo: Blatter and Amaju)

Blatter said in a letter to Pinnick: "I wish you good luck, strength
and every success for your new role and look forward to meeting you
soon."

His comments allay fears that Nigeria were heading for a ban as a
result of Fifa not ratifying the election.

Football's world governing body briefly suspended Nigeria in July when
then-NFF president Aminu Maigari was removed from office.

The suspension was lifted when Maigari returned but after a
controversial NFF election , which resulted in a split and Chris Giwa
declaring himself the new president, Fifa threatened to impose a long
global ban if there were further complications in holding recognised
elections.

There had been reports that Tuesday's polls went ahead despite a court
injunction purportedly granted to a group led by Giwa, barring it from
taking place.

And immediately after the elections Giwa released a statement
insisting he "remained the head of the nations' football governing
body".

However, Blatter has welcomed Pinnick's appointment and said he has
the backing of Fifa.

"I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes of
success on the occasion of your election as the new president of the
Nigeria Football Federation," said Blatter.

"Your knowledge and experience will certainly have an important impact
on the stable development of our beautiful game in your country. You
can rely on my personal support and Fifa's assistance in order to
reach this goal.

"The doors of the home of Fifa are open whenever you wish to discuss
any relevant issues concerning the game and its governance."

There was, though, a warning from Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke
that "we now expect the NFF and its new leadership to carry out its
activities without any hindrance in order to avoid having to again
refer the case to the appropriate Fifa bodies for an automatic
suspension".