Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has revealed that the shocking 2-0 defeat suffered by the Super Eagles at the hands of South Africa in last month’s 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier is in the past and that focus is presently on the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifying clashes with Cameroon.
Pinnick said this while fielding questions on a Sports Show ‘Sports Tonite’ on Channels TV. In his words, he said: “Defeat by South Africa is history. Now, we are looking forward to the crucial games against Cameroon, we are perfecting our acts.”
Pinnick: Defeat by South Africa is history. Now, we are looking forward to tthe crucial games against Cameroon. We are perfecting our acts.
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) August 2, 2017
On AFCON expansion from 16 to 24 teams, Pinnick, who is also an executive committee member with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), stated that there are a lot of benefits attached to it. “There are several merits; sporting, commercial and infrastructural to the expansion of AFCON from 16 to 24 teams.” The NFF president disclosed.
Pinnick: There are several merits; sporting, commercial and infrastructural, to the expansion of AFCON from 16 to 24 teams.
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) August 2, 2017
He also defended the decision to appoint an expatriate goalkeeper trainer Enrico Pionetti. The CAF Exco member said: “Two good heads are better than one, which was why we agreed to have an expatriate goalkeeper trainer. We are not undermining anyone.”
The NFF President addressed topical issues like officiating in the local league, CHAN, appointment of national team coaches, women’s league, Minister of Information’s statement on local content by Nigerian companies and Carl Ikeme’s ongoing battle with cancer during the one-hour show as well.
