Sports

Akinwunmi, Abba Yola, Leads in Race To Succeed Pinnick As NFF President

Published

4 years ago

August 1, 2022

By Akeem Busari

The pitch is getting higher and the pace, faster, as several Nigerian football stakeholders have thrown their hats into the ring, indicating their readiness to succeed incumbent NFF President Amaju Pinnick at the next NFF General Assembly tentatively slated to hold in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, August 13, 2022.

Ahead of the NFF Congress, the Nigerian football atmosphere is heated with lots of politicking, innuendoes and mudslinging happening. While some caucuses are not making their plans to nick the NFF President seat open, major stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, have openly showed their hands by calling a meeting for August 8, 2022, during the annual Sharif Ahlan Inuwa pre-season football tournament in Kano.

Several individuals have supposedly expressed their intentions to succeed the incumbent NFF President Amaju Pinnick at the next NFF General Assembly tentatively slated to hold in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. And it is not for nothing.

Like the honey is attractive to a bee, the allure of the office of NFF presidency has equally thrown up football administrators and former Nigerian players like Idah Peterside, Jonathan Akpoborie, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Musa Amadu, Benedict Akwuegbu, Christian Emeruwa, Ibrahim Gusau, Mohammed Mouktar, Seyi Akinwunmi, Abba Yola and Daniel Amokachi.

In this special report, it is well to say this field of aspirants is interesting and attractive. However, the report here is focused on two of the most attractive aspirants with high chances of succeeding Amaju Pinnick. Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi and Alhaji Abba Abdulahi Yola.

Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi is the current 1st Vice-President of NFF and the Chairman of Lagos State Football Association. He has a track record of being one of the brightest brains in Nigerian football, and particularly, on the present NFF board. Akinwunmi is a great developer of grassroots football and responsible for the achievements of Nigerian youths football teams in recent times.

His mien and dispositions at all times portrays a classic gentleman with a focused mind on his set goals. Beyond everything else, he is a master strategist, who knows how to play the politics of the game, and win favours. He is, indeed, a strong candidate to succeed Pinnick.

Alhaji Abba Abdulahi Yola, is a former athlete and veteran sports administrator with several decades of impactful experience. Abba Yola, who is presently the Chief of Staff to Minister of sports, Sunday Dare, has been involved in activities and committees aimed at the development of Nigerian football. His desires to become the new NFF President is buoyed by his administrative experience, integrity, diligence and vast goodwill with a network of local and international brands garnered over several decades.

Many discerning Nigerian football stakeholders and aficionados believe he has the zeal and determination to change the narratives of Nigerian football and return the glorious days of Nigeria, as one of the best football countries in the world. In the search for a credible, honest, patriotic, responsible and experienced NFF President, Abba Yola, stands tall. Much more, his ability to create a synergy and harmonious relationship between government and Nigerian football, would be very instrumental to the desired goals for a better Nigerian football.

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

44 mins ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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