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NFF President Amaju Pinnick Removed From CAF Position,

Published

6 years ago

July 18, 2019

The Gleamer

…New VPs Picked

Joel Ajayi

Amaju Pinnick has been removed as 1st Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The decision was taken during the body’s Executive Committee meeting in Cairo on Thursday.

The action was taken at CAF’s ongoing committee meeting, taking place after the conclusion of Thursday’s congress.

Pinnick who was elevated to the position after the corruption case brought against former Ghana FA President and CAF 1st VP, Kwesi Nyantakyi.

CAF’s executive committee on Wednesday have agreed to allow FIFA Secretary General take charge of the administration of CAF for a period of 6 Months

“However, It comes despite some Executive Committee members voicing their opposition to Samoura, who will retain her FIFA role, being parachuted in to intervene in the day-to-day running of the CAF amid its governance crisis,” Liam Morgan.

Samoura will be in charge for an initial six-month period due to begin in August, with her team responsible for carrying out a “full forensic audit” of CAF, whose President Ahmad has been embroiled in allegations of wrongdoing and was arrested over corruption charges in Paris last month.

His removal though confirmed but the reason for the removal is still unknown as at the time of filing this report.

However, it may not be unconnected with the cold relationship between Amaju Pinnick and CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad.

According to reliable source Osazu Obayuagbon on Twitter who wrote on his official handle:

“Breaking: @PinnickAmaju has been removed as @CAF_Online 1st Vice-President. The action was taken at CAF’s ongoing exco committee meeting, taking place after the conclusion of Thursday’s congress.

And the man on the right of @PinnickAmaju, Danny Jordaan is now the @CAF_Online 3rd Vice-President. The battle for 1st VP is between @OmariConstant & @FRMFOFFICIEL President Fouzi Lekjaa.”

@OmariConstant is now @CAF_Online’s 1st VP, @FRMFOFFICIEL’s Fouzi Lekjaa is 2nd VP, with @SAFA_net’s Danny Jordaan 3rd VP.

Welcome to African football’s Game of Thrones!”

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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