Pinnick Lays Out Plans For Nigerian Football During Covid-19 Pandemic

Tolu Shotade

4 years ago

The NFF president Amaju Pinnick has revealed the body’s plan for football in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In a series of tweets, Pinnick outlined the plans for the national teams while also confirming four coronavirus cases at the body’s headquaters in Abuja.

The NFF boss revealed that the Super Eagles will face the Elephants of Cote’d Ivoire and Catarge Eagles of Tunisia with the games set for the 9th and 13th of October, 2020 respectively.

He also outlined the plan to hire a coach for the women’s nation team as well as the new kits for the 2022 FIFA World Cup

In a related development Pinnick also confirmed that four workers of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have been infected with coronavirus (COVID-19).

Good afternoon.

As part of our commitment to transparency, probity and openness, I would like to brief Nigerians of events as they unfold in football development.

Firstly, a tragic note, as we lost the head of the ICT department, Mr. Tolulope Abe to complications arising from..
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) September 2, 2020

…surgery.

May His soul rest in Peace.

We also conducted COVID-19 tests on all members of staff and four returned positive. While one has fully recovered and confirmed negative, others are in stable condition, receiving treatment with the full compliments of the NCDC….
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) September 2, 2020

…On the 9th of October, the Super Eagles will play former African champions, Cote D'Ivoire in a friendly game, then face another African giant and former champions Tunisia, four days later, on the 13th.

Both games will be held in Austria for a few obvious reasons….
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) September 2, 2020

…Due to the COVID-19 protocols presently in place and the proximity of the bulk of our team as well, Austria was seen as an ideal venue. I'll have to stress as well, that ALL costs will be borne by the Football Federations of both Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire, as well as Tunisia..
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) September 2, 2020

On the vacant positions in Nigerian football, I'm hopeful that a Technical Director will be announced soon, as we are still having extensive consultations.

With regards to a Coach for the Super Falcons, Africa's biggest female football team, Phillips Consulting, in charge…
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) September 2, 2020

…of the recruitment process, are putting finishing touches to it and a Coach will be announced soon. This also applies to Coaches for the different cadres of our National Teams.

I'd like to ask that you tarry with us a while.
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) September 2, 2020

A few days ago, top members of the NFF Executive Committee had a vrtual meeting with NIKE, our kit makers, with regards to the new kits for the 2022 World Cup and all I can say now is: Wow.

The new designs are truly beautiful and will thrill the world again. Sincerely…
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) September 2, 2020

…I cannot wait to see our male and female teams adorn them.

Now, let me use this opportunity to thank the members of the NFF Executive Committee. They have not only become friends but they are now more than family to me. Collectively, we labour to improve the fortunes…
— Amaju Melvin Pinnick (@PinnickAmaju) September 2, 2020