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Tag: NFF

  • NFF crisis: Chris Giwa vows to fight on after ejected by DSS

    NFF crisis: Chris Giwa vows to fight on after ejected by DSS

    President of the factional Nigeria Football Federation Chris Giwa says he will not surrender his mandate after his board was ejected from the NFF secretariat in Abuja by the Department of State Services operatives on Monday.

    Giwa, who won August 26, 2014 NFF presidential poll, took charge of the secretariat after sports minister Solomon Dalung directed the NFF to comply with the apex court judgment on April 27 restoring the orders of the Federal High Court setting aside another NFF election on September 30, 2014, which brought in Amaju Pinnick as the president of the federation.

    The Pinnick board was consequently sent packing.

    Giwa told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja that no amount of intimidation would make him give up his mandate to be the NFF president.

    The NFF Congress had disregarded the order of a Jos High Court to stay action on the Warri election until the determination of the suit brought before it by Giwa.

    Three weeks ago, a group led by Giwa stormed the secretariat and took control on the strength of a court ruling, but on Monday, his board was ejected from the place with Pinnick board returning to power.

    Giwa told NAN, “By the grace of God, we employed patience to go through the judicial system of the land as guaranteed by Article 1.1 of the NFF Statute to reach where we are.

    “Except if the law and the judiciary is no more significant, can what happened on Monday be allowed. Evil will not thrive over good.

    “I urge our friends, allies and supporters to remain calm. Truth shall return to the centre stage in a couple of hours.

    “What you have seen is like the different scenes in a Nollywood film. All I know is that the rule of law will not lie low against the rule of might and influence peddling.’’

    In a statement on Monday night, the Giwa board said they are still in charge of the NFF since sports minister Solomon Dalung stated that “nothing has changed after the Supreme Court ruling and Orders of the Federal High Court in Jos on the NFF on April 27, 2018”.

  • FIFA has not written to NFF over ban threat – Giwa

    FIFA has not written to NFF over ban threat – Giwa

    Chief Chris Giwa, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has said that FIFA, the world soccer governing body, has not communicated its ban threat to the NFF.

    “The alleged FIFA ban threat is a creation of the media; FIFA has not written to lodge any complaint to us. We only read all these things in the media,” Giwa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos.

    Giwa had assumed office as NFF President following an ex-parte order issued to him by the Jos Federal High Court with a recent Supreme Court ruling asking the parties to return to the lower court.

    With the apex court’s ruling, Giwa recently assumed office, replacing Amaju Pinnick, his rival in the battle for the control of Nigeria’s football body.

    Pinnick represented the nation’s football leadership at the just-concluded World Soccer Tournament in Russia.

    Irked by the developments in the nation’s football leadership, FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently threatened to ban Nigeria from all FIFA-organised events, if the confusion continued.

    Infantino specifically said that FIFA would not condone interference in the administration of the game, adding that the world body only recognised Pinnick as the NFF President.

    Reacting to the FIFA threat, Giwa described it as a “mere fallacy orchestrated by the press”.

    “As I speak with you, FIFA has not made any inquiry to ascertain what could be going on here.

    “Nobody has called me from FIFA to explain anything. So, I assume that if FIFA has made any statement, it may be based on hearsay because we have not been contacted.

    “I did not take my self to where I am now; there was an election and there was a litigation on which the Nigerian judiciary made a pronouncement.

    “I am not the judiciary. I only went there to seek for justice. So, we have a system in Nigeria. Anyone with any grievance against that system must go through the same system to ventilate his concerns.”

    Giwa said that the issue was not about what anybody says because NFF, like FIFA, has a status just like the Nigerian constitution that must be respected.

    On whether he has received any letter asking him to vacate the Glass House, Giwa said that he had not received such communication.

    On reports that he had been banned from football activities for five years, Giwa claimed that no one had communicated such ban to him.

    “I don’t know of any ban. May be the letter is still on the way. But, honestly, I have not received any letter to that effect.

    “I only read it in the media like you did. No more.

    “The issue of ban is like a criminal slam being fused on someone; but the question is, can somebody ban you without hearing you?

    “Ordinarily, one would have expected FIFA to listen to the facts of any matter before deciding on the next step. I cannot remember being asked by FIFA to explain anything on any issue,” he said.

    NAN

  • NFF crisis: FIFA hammer eminent, says Keyamo

    Festus Keyamo (SAN), the counsel to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Wednesday said Nigeria was at the risk of a FIFA ban following the latest developments in the NFF.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a Jos court failed to deliver judgement on the case between the embattled NFF President Amaju Pinnick and his challenger Chris Giwa.

    The four year-old case was expected to be resolved at the Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State on Tuesday but it was adjourned to Sept. 25.

    Pinnick has been the NFF president since 2014 but a Supreme Court ruling two weeks ago gave Giwa the mandate, and he has since assumed office.

    Justice Musa Kurta, the Presiding judge in the case between Yahaya Adama and Aminu Maigari, had, on June 5, given an ex-perte order granted Giwa and others, pending the determination of an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.

    Instead of finally resolving the case, drama ensued on Tuesday as both sets of lawyers failed to agree on certain processes and Justice Kurye adjourned to Sept. 25, as he noted that the court was on vacation.

    Keyamo told NAN in an interview that an imminent ban loomed for Nigerian football if the right steps were not taken by the parties involved.

    “The grave implication of the adjournment and failure to resolve this case is that Giwa will continue to claim leadership of the NFF in defiance of his lack of recognition by FIFA and the global body could ban the country.

    “The only NFF recognised by FIFA is the one headed by Pinnick, who is also the Vice-president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

    “I have pointed out to the court that the FIFA hammer is eminent. Let us not pretend that this is not happening.

    “This is not for myself, Pinnick or Giwa but for the future of our country. It is for the future of our children who earn a daily living from football.

    “The loss and catastrophe will be so colossal that even our local league will be affected. So, I am just sounding a note of caution to everyone involved that the earlier we dispose of this, the better,” he said.

    He noted that FIFA had already reacted in a letter written to NFF, stressing that the world football governing body did not mince words in the letter.

    “It clearly stated that what is happening in Nigeria is seen as an interference in the affairs of football because the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) had decisively given its verdict on this matter.

    “Giwa and Co. lost in CAS and were given a worldwide ban and as such FIFA noted in the last paragraph of the letter that if the case was not rescinded, it could lead to severe sanctions on Nigerian football,” he said.

    On the issue of the appearance of a new counsel, Samuel Shankyula, who announced that he now defends Maigari and Ahmadu with an affidavit deposed to the effect, the Senior Advocate said: “We are going to confer with our clients with regards to the latest developments in the case.

    “The new counsel showed up from nowhere because he did not contact us previously. We were not informed by Maigari and Ahmadu of any development in this matter.

    “We had previously defended Maigari and Ahmadu from the court in Jos to the Court of Appeal, all the way to the Supreme Court and back to the court in Jos and they did not raise any objection.

    “All of a sudden because of certain intrigues in the football family, they appeared in court on Tuesday to say they were no longer willing that we represent them.

    “It also clear that the new lawyer in question has taken sides with Giwa… so, these are all the intrigues going on,” he said.

    NAN also reports that Keyamo has been defending the trio of Maigari, Ahmadu and Plateau State Football Association as well as the 36 states and the FCT associations until the latest development.

    In his reaction, Giwa noted that there were no issues with regards to who the legitimate president of NFF was, adding that he was fully in charge of the Nigeria football house as things stood.

    “Most importantly is the fact that the new counsel to the case clearly admitted that the election that produced Pinnick was marred by some challenges.

    “The counsel also advised that both parties adhere strictly to the Supreme Court ruling which restored the orders of the Federal High Court, setting aside the purported election into the Executive Committee of the NFF held on Sept. 30, 2014,” he said.

    NAN

  • EFCC probes Amaju Pinnick, Shehu Dikko, others

    EFCC probes Amaju Pinnick, Shehu Dikko, others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is to investigate and take necessary action against Mr Pinnick Amaju Melvin, Mallam Shehu Dikko and three other top board members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Nneka Anibeze, Media Aide to Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

    According to Anibeze, the probe follows a petition EFCC received from a former National Team Coach, James Peters, on May 4, 2018 with a heading ‘MONUMENTAL STEALING AND FINANCIAL CRIMES IN THE NIGERIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION received by the Executive Chairman of EFCC on May 4, 2018.

    In the petition, Peters who coached National teams and led them to notable victories and also served as Technical Director with the Nigeria Football Federation for many years urged the EFCC to carry out a thorough investigation on an alleged “unprecedented stealing, corrupt practices and financial crimes being perpetrated by the current President Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the 1st Vice President Barrister Seyi Akinwumi, the 2nd Vice President Mallam Shehu Dikko and a member of the Executive Committee Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf (AKA Fresh).

    The former Technical Director also alleged “stealing and fraudulent activities by FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES LTD, a company cunningly brought into the NFF by President Amaju Pinnick for the sole purpose of warehousing money outside the official accounts of the NFF in the Central Bank and diverting same for fraudulent activities.”

    Similarly, the petition stated that “These NFF chieftains have also used the company MEDITERRANEAN SPORTS LIMITED belonging to Mallam Shehu Dikko who is the 2nd Vice President of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the League Management Company, a body saddled with the responsibility of running the Elite league, and attracts millions of dollars from sponsorships and Chairman, Marketing and Sponsorship sub-committee of the NFF to collect over 40% of revenues from the numerous sponsors of the NFF “.

    In a notification letter ref no. EFCC/EC/mos/59/17 written to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports by the Executive Chairman, the EFCC notified the Ministry that it has received a petition from Mr Peters and thereby ‘forward same for investigation and necessary action’.

    The Petitioner in the letter, alleged that despite the Federal government’s policy of Treasury Single Account where monies of government Parastatals are lodged for purposes of checking leakages etc, Mr Amaju Pinnick and others obtained the services of FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES COMPANY LTD to warehouse revenue accruing to the NFF from well spirited individuals and Corporate organizations which never got to the NFF. He alleged too that funds made available by corporate sponsors were never disclosed.

    Mr Peters called for a Forensic audit to be carried out to look at all approvals and retirements by the mentioned persons.

  • CAF VP title: The rise and rise of Amaju Melvin Pinnick

    CAF VP title: The rise and rise of Amaju Melvin Pinnick

    Despite the series of hurdles faced by the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, his continuous rise amid stiff political turbulence undoubtedly defies human comprehension in its entirety.

    From how he emerged the leader of the Nigeria football house and managed his office for years while facing legal battles, Pinnick was still able to deliver seeming national results and also gave Nigeria a respectful position in the world of continental football politics.

    Just about four days ago, when one would have thought the crisis in the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has reached its height, after Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung ordered Amaju’s removal in office, he [Amaju Pinnick] got appointed by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, as Vice president of the African soccer-ruling body.

    According to the CAF Scribe, Amaju’s promotion was necessitated by the resignation of the first Vice President, Kwesi Nyantaky who was also the President of Ghana Football Association.

    The letter of appointment reads thus: ‘’Following the resignation of the 1st Vice President, Mr Kwesi Nyantaky, CAF President, after consulting the members of the Emergency Committee, appointed Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick as 1st Vice President.

    This decision is immediately applicable, in accordance with article 27 para 2 of the Statutes, which will be ratified by the Executive Committee in its session scheduled on the 27 ad 28 September 2018. We thank you for kindly taking note’’.

    The letter was signed by Secretary General of CAF, Amr Fahmy and dated July 5, 2018..

    By this appointment, Amaju Pinnick has become the most powerful football administrator in West Africa and second most powerful in Africa. Before now, Amaju was also appointed president of two high profile committees of the body.

    The NFF boss oversees the Africa Cup of Nations committee which will see him in charge of the organization of all nations cup tournaments. Former CAF President Issa Hayatou chaired the last AFCON committee.

    Pinnick also holds the leadership baton of the Media committee of the continental football body.

    He is also a member of the Organising Committee of the World Cup and has been in charge of many World Cup matches ongoing in Russia.

  • NFF crisis: Pinnick returns to court over fresh motion challenging Giwa’s office

    A Jos Federal High Court on Wednesday fixed July 10 to hear a new motion filed by immediate past NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, challenging the experte order it granted Chris Giwa, current President of the federation.

    Pinnick approached the court for the relief after the Supreme Court judgment which ordered him to comply with the lower court’s order that compelled him to vacate the office for Giwa.

    Justice Musa Kurya, the Presiding Judge in the case between Yahaya Adama and Alhaji Aminu Maigari had, on June 5, made an experte order asking Pinnick’s NFF leadership to vacate the Glass House for the Giwa-led executive.

    But Pinnick, through his counsel, Festus Keyamo (SAN), stormed the court with two motions demanding for the vacation of the order granted Giwa and others, pending the determination of an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case.

    Though the case was heard in the chamber, the two counsel in the matter spoke to newsmen shortly after.

    Mr Festus Ukpe, who stood in for Keyamo, explained: “ We came to court to challenge the order which the court gave to Giwa led Exco.

    “Our aim or intention was to move our two motions, but the counsel to Adama and Ogba, Mr Habila Ardzard, opposed it on the ground that they only got possession of the motions today (Wednesday).

    “We told the judge that there was need for the court to hear these motions because of our fear of what Giwa will do in these few days that he claims he has power over Glass House.

    “That is why we argued that there was the need for the judge to vacate his order since we were not given fair hearing in the matter, which we are not a party to but for our interest.’’

    Ukpe said that after both sides made their submissions, the judge ruled and fixed July 10 for the hearing of the motions because of the urgency.

    Also, Ardzard said he had to oppose Pinnick from moving the motions “because by law, we are entitled to seven days within which we could study the motion and reply from the date of its receipt.

    “We were only asked to come to court today and when we came we were told that there were two motions which pinnick’s counsel intended to move today (Wednesday).

    “Of course, we had to oppose it and the court finally ruled in our favour and therefore, fixed July 10 for the hearing of the motions’’.

    Nonetheless, the order granted Giwa subsists until Tuesday, July 10 when the motions would be heard on their merit.

    NAN

  • Pinnick, Giwa have never been parties to any case in court – Keyamo

    Pinnick, Giwa have never been parties to any case in court – Keyamo

    Counsel to the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Festus Keyamo, has given full details on the crisis rocking the Nigerian football house citing that both Pinnick and Giwa have never been parties to any case in court.

    Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday morning, Keyamo said Giwa was facing a worldwide ban from FIFA and cannot be the NFF President.

    Keyamo said that the Supreme Court never ordered Amaju Pinnick to vacate the NFF office for Chris Giwa to take over.

    According to him, “Chris Giwa has never been a party to any case in court. And Amaju Pinnck has also never been a party to any case in court.

    “As I speak to you, Giwa and Pinnick have never been parties to any case in court, whether at the Federal High Court or the Supreme Court.

    “So What happened was that when the Attorney-General looked at the judgement of the Supreme Court in April, he gave an opinion that there was nothing to enforce and advised all parties to go back to the lower court to determine the case on the merit.

    “It was after this suggestion by the Attorney General that Giwa went back to the lower court and in an es parte motion, there was no contest – there was no service of paper on Amaju Pinnick or any of his lawyers – an es parte motion, only Giwa was heard. and the court ordered that Giwa, who was not party to the case should take over NFF and that the election that produced him should be recognised.

    “Let me say this to all Nigerians, Giwa is on a journey to nowhere. It will end the way it had started.” He warned that the Giwa is only poised to bringing down FIFA’s hammer on Nigeria.

    In an earlier statement, Keyamo had said, “While our client respects the sanctity of court orders, unfortunately the said court orders are not binding on FIFA, the world football governing body. The NFF is an affiliation of FIFA. It should be noted that FIFA has consistently maintained that same matter has been taken to the highest Court of Sport Arbitration in Switzerland by this same individuals and they have lost.

    “FIFA is only bound by the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sports and does not tolerate or entertain decisions by local courts in footballing nations worldwide.

    “Hence, FIFA has since upheld the decision of the court of Arbitration on this matter and recognised the NFF board led by Amaju Pinnick. Nigeria has a duty to comply to that decision.

    “In addition, for the indiscretion of those individuals like Chris Giwa to approach the local court, FIFA has since imposed a worldwide ban on them from all football activites.”

  • Supporters’ club chief backs FG sacking of Pinnick-led NFF

    The Nigeria Football Supporters’ Club President-General Rafiu Ladipo is backing the Federal Government’s decision to obey the Supreme Court ruling removing the Nigeria Football Federation board headed by Amaju Pinnick.

    Sports minister Solomon Dalung on Monday directed the NFF to comply with the apex court judgment on April 27 restoring the orders of the Federal High Court setting aside the purported NFF election on September 30, 2014, which brought in Pinnick.

    Chris Giwa, who won at a parallel NFF poll on August 26, 2014, has since assumed control of the national football house.

    According to Punch, Ladipo, who criticised the Pinnick board for the early exit of the Super Eagles from the Russia 2018 World Cup, said the board deserved to go.

    He insisted that the board failed to move football forward in the country, citing the failure of the Eagles to qualify for two back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations.

    “We were the defending champions of the Chile 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup but we failed to qualify for the next edition in India,”

    “We lost our first qualifying match of the 2019 AFCON at home to Bafana Bafana, and now we have failed to reach the second round of the World Cup.”

    The club chief added, “ It’s good riddance to bad rubbish. Pinnick sees everybody in Nigerian football as a novice. His board didn’t care for those who risked their lives to come from Nigeria to support the Eagles here in Russia.

    “He achieved a lot for himself and zero for Nigerian football.”

    Ladipo pleaded with FIFA to show understanding, saying the body should allow the country to restructure the administration of the game.

    He backed the government’s decision to obey the court order on the disputed elections, calling for all football stakeholders to unite.

  • Pinnick reacts after FG sacks him as NFF president

    Pinnick reacts after FG sacks him as NFF president

    Amaju Pinnick has reacted to his sack as president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), describing it as “null and void”.

    On Monday morning, the Minister for Youths and Spo‎rts in Nigeria, Solomon Dalung, ordered the current NFF board to vacate their office, in respect to a ruling by the apex court in Nigeria, the Supreme Court.

    Dalung also asked Chris Giwa, who was voted as President of the NFF through a congress that wasn’t recognized by FIFA, to take over the running of the Glass House.

    However, in a statement signed by the counsel to Pinnick, Festus Keyamo and made available to newsmen, the embattled NFF boss gave reasons why the ruling cannot stand.

    It reads: “We are solicitors to Mr. Amaju Pinnick and the present Board of the NFF which he heads. We issue this statement on the instruction and directive of our clients which reflects their official position on the matter.

    “The attention of our clients has been drawn to a statement purportedly issued at the behest of the Minister of Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung, directing the NFF to comply with certain court orders effecting a change of leadership in the NFF

    “Our clients wish to alert the general public and the authorities in Nigeria that the so-called directive by the Minister of Sports is null, void and of no effect for the following reasons.

    “(1) Whilst our clients respect the sanctity of court orders, unfortunately the said court orders are not binding on FIFA, the World Football Governing Body. The NFF is an affiliate of FIFA. It should be noted that FIFA has consistently maintained that this same matter has been taken to the highest Court of Sports Arbitration in Switzerland by these same individuals and they have lost. FIFA is only bound by the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sports AND DOES NOT ENTERTAIN OR TOLERATE decisions by local courts in footballing nations worldwide. Hence, FIFA has since upheld the decision of the Court of Arbitration on this matter and recognized the NFF Board led by Amaju Pinnick. Nigeria has a duty to comply with that decision. In addition, for the indiscretion of those individuals like Chris Giwa to approach the local courts, FIFA has since imposed a worldwide ban on them from all footballing activities.

    “The end result is that Chris Giwa and his so-called Board members do not have any locus standi with regards to footballing matters and the Federal Government CANNOT have any dealing with them on any footballing matter. The obvious implication of all these is that if any attempt is made to recognize Chris Giwa and derecognize Amaju Pinnick and his Board, FIFA WILL DEFINITELY IMPOSE A LENGTHY BAN ON NIGERIA from all football competitions locally and internationally and that will spell doom for Nigerian Football.

    “The immediate casualties of this ban would be (a) The Falconets who have qualified and are scheduled to participate in the Under-20 Female World Cup in July, 2018 (b) The final phases of the AFCON Qualifiers for the Super Eagles scheduled for August/September, 2018 (c) The Super Falcons defending their title in December in Ghana (d) No Nigerian Club side would be allowed to participate in the Continental Championships and (e) the future of all Nigerian players based in Nigeria would be in jeopardy as no Nigerian player would be allowed to be sold or transferred to any club anywhere in the world.

    “Please, find attached the latest letter from FIFA to Chris Giwa, through his lawyers confirming the position of FIFA on this matter.

    “(2) In view of these facts above, our clients have taken steps to vacate the orders given by the Federal High Court in Jos. It should be noted that the said orders were given ex-parte (one-sided), as no other person was served with court processes. It should also be noted that the orders were given against Amaju Pinnick and his Board members (who are not parties to the case and were never served) and in favour of Chris Giwa (who is also not a party to the case). Besides, these orders are to last for only fourteen (14) days as provided by the Rules of Court. Our clients state these facts as they are in order to inform the public of the nature of the orders given without meaning to denigrate the authority of the court.

    (3) The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, a few weeks ago, having studied the Supreme Court judgment has already advised (by a letter dated 13th June, 2018) that the matter is subjudice, and that Government cannot intervene at this point. He advised all parties to await the FINAL DETERMINATION of the case. However, in a desperate attempt to assume office at all cost, Chris Giwa sneaked back to court to obtain these ex-parte (one-sided) orders prompting the office of the Attorney-General to issue yet another advice again dated June 26, 2018, advising compliance to the court order.

    “(4) Finally, our clients also urge restraint and caution because the substantive matter is pending in court and has not been fully determined. Our clients have also taken steps to set aside these orders. Therefore, it is important that the Government awaits the full and final determination of the entire matter. It may be the contention of Chris Giwa and his so-called Board that the Rule of Law must be obeyed which means an immediate enforcement of the one-sided (ex-parte) orders. However, Nigeria is also bound to abide, recognize and enforce the decisions of the Courts of Arbitration for Sports which have since dismissed the case of Chris Giwa and his so-called Board, and affirmed Amaju Pinnick and his Board as the authentic leadership of the NFF.

    “Our clients are therefore VERY SHOCKED that despite these glaring question marks, the Minister of Sports refused to advise Government correctly as to the position of FIFA on this matter and the existence of an Award against Chris Giwa and his so-called Board by the Court of Arbitration for Sports. The Press Release by the Minister of Sports would definitely cripple football in Nigeria and make Nigeria a pariah State regarding football. Our clients do not, by this letter, want to give credence or promote so many insinuations, peddled about, as motivating the actions of the Minister of Sports. Our clients only urge the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently reverse the position of the Minister of Sports and save Nigerian Football from collapse.

    “As a result of the CLEAR AND UNEQUIVOCAL position of FIFA on this issue, our clients urge the President to INSTRUCT the Minister of Sports to engage strong legal representation to challenge these court orders that were given without hearing from anyone or joining anyone on the other side (including the Minister of Sports).

    “Whilst this is being done, our clients urge the President to direct all parties and law enforcement agencies to await a full determination of the case before doing anything in this regard as a result of the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sports which is also enforceable in Nigeria.

    “The final point to make is that our clients wish to draw the attention of everyone to the fact that the NFF is not an independent association. It is an affiliate of FIFA. By virtue of Article 59, Paragraphs 2 and 3 of FIFA Statutes, FIFA does not tolerate such actions taken by Giwa and his so-called Board to destroy Nigerian football.

    “Therefore, by virtue of the responsible position Nigeria holds in the Comity of Nations, it would be advisable that the President directs everyone to toe the line of FIFA and respect the final decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sports on this matter, instead of giving vent to the ambition of ONE MAN (Chris Giwa) who wants to bring down the entire edifice of football on all our heads to achieve his selfish ambition.”

  • BREAKING: Chris Giwa take over office as NFF chairman

    Following the order of Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chris Giwa has assumed duty as president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung had earlier today ordered the Nigeria Football Federation to vacate their office, in respect to a ruling by the apex court in Nigeria, the Supreme Court.

    Dalung said the directive followed a written notification by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice requesting the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure compliance.

    While addressing journalists at the glass house in Abuja, Giwa said his assumption of office was in line with the ruling of the court on June 5, 2018.

    He said the court had annulled the parallel election held in Warri by Pinnick and that it upheld him as the chairman.

    “I am here to claim my mandate as the substantive chairman elected on August 26, 2014,” he said.

    “We waited for the other board to finish the preparations for world cup so that we can assume office.”

    He promised to embark on reconciliation of all aggrieved members for the success of the federation.

    He explained that Nigeria’s sovereignty could not be threatened by any foreign interest, saying NFF operated in tandem with the country’s constitution.

    “We are grateful to God for making it possible for us to reclaim our mandate and we shall give Nigerians good results,” he said.

    Pinnick and Giwa had on September 19, 2014, filed their suit before the Federal High Court in Jos, praying for among others, that they along with others allegedly elected on August 26, 2014, be declared to be the legitimate executive board members of the NFF.

    On September 19, 2014, the Federal High Court granted an ex parte order restraining the NFF from conducting its General Assembly.

    But the federation went ahead to conduct the General Assembly in Warri, Delta State, which led to Pinnick’s emergence as NFF president on September 20, 2014.

    Three days later, the Federal High Court nullified the General Assembly and the elections for being held in defiance of a pending suit and the court’s restraining orders.