As accolades continue trailing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Melvin Amaju Pinnick over his election into the executive committee of Confederation of African Football (CAF), an additional message of praise has come from the independent chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL), Chief Chidi Offor Okenwa.
According to the NNL media head,Amar Ignis,the boss of Nigeria’s second tier football League stated in his congratulatory message to Pinnick that Thursday’s election result at the CAF ordinary congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was a well-deserved victory for the NFF supremo.
Okenwa further stated that Pinnick’s emergence as a CAF executive committee member has given Nigeria the chance of returning to the zenith of football politics in Africa, which he noted has been missing for the country in several years.
The NNL chairman enthused that Pinnick’s victory, alongside that of Madagascar FA boss, Ahmad Ahmad, has set the stage for innovations and change in the running of the round leather game on the continent.
“I am happy for the development,” Offer disclosed in a press release, “I am happy for Pinnick and for Nigeria, because his election means we will again be relevant in the scheme of things for football in Africa.
“This marks signs of a fresh beginning for African football, and I congratulate Pinnick for being part of the new, youthful leadership in CAF.”
Okenwa also used the opportunity to address all stakeholders that will be involved in the 2016/2017 season of the NNL, which kicked off in style this weekend, with a star match at Agege Stadium, Lagos between AS Racines and Papilo FC of Owerri.
“I want to appeal to all the players to allow the spirit of fair play take priority in all their matches this season, and for the coaches to avoid anything that will bring disrepute to the beautiful game.
“I believe this season will be fascinating and exciting, which will make us all smile at the end of the year. All I beg is for the fans to avoid violence and the match officials to be up to scratch,” Okenwa concluded.
He enjoined soccer lovers to troop out en mass at all match venues to enjoy matches in the MOST IMPORTANT League in the country.
