Fifa President Gianni Infantino has congratulated President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick for clocking 40 years on Friday.
In his short letter titled ‘Happy Birthday,’ the world’s number one football administrator wrote: “On this very special day, let me extend my sincerest wishes to you for lots of luck, happiness, good health and success.
“I sincerely hope that you will find time to spend a wonderful day with your family and your friends. Many happy returns of the day and kind personal regards.”
Incidentally, both Infantino and Pinnick were in Moscow, Russia, where the draw for the 2018 Fifa World Cup was held.
Also, Super Eagles defender Abdullahi Shehu, on his twitter handle, gave big kudos to Pinnick for Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament.
“I’m using this opportunity to appreciate your good work and the Federation’s support. We made it successfully to Russia because of the perfect logistics put in place by your board. Wishing you the best in life. Great leader!”
It has, indeed, been a magnificent past year for the NFF boss, during which he was appointed Member of the Organising Committee for Fifa Competitions; won election as Member of the Caf Executive Committee; was made President of AFCON and appointed Member of the Caf Emergency Committee.
On the field, the Super Eagles made light work of a difficult group in the African series to qualify for the World Cup.
And on the corporate front, an aggressive marketing drive has continued to bear fruits with several corporate bodies teaming up with the Federation and several others lining up to associate with Nigerian Football.
Legacy projects are also afoot with the NFF in the process of building Mini-Secretariats for Football Associations in the various States and football fields in all local councils in Nigeria.
