‘Those Who Know, Know’ — Pinnick Breaks Silence On Super Eagles’ 2026 Collapse

According to Ireporter Online, former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has argued that Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is closely linked to the revised qualification format. Pinnick insisted that the Super Eagles would likely have secured a ticket if the 2018 system had been retained.

Pinnick made the remarks on Monday during the Big Sport Dialogue held in Ikoyi, where he engaged in a tense exchange with Abayomi Ogunjimi, the National President of the Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club. Ogunjimi challenged Pinnick’s influence within CAF and FIFA, questioning how it had benefited Nigerian football, especially as the country failed to reach both the 2022 and 2026 World Cup tournaments under or after his leadership.

Responding firmly, Pinnick said the recent qualification failure should not be used to undermine his tenure. He maintained that the 2018 format offered more balance and gave stronger teams a clearer path. He recalled that Nigeria topped what he described as one of the toughest qualification groups in history—containing Zambia, Cameroon and Algeria—and still advanced with two matches left to play.

Pinnick used the moment to highlight some of the national team’s strong performances during his administration, including victories over Argentina and Poland, as well as a testing friendly match against England. He also recounted his role in influencing the modern design of the Super Eagles’ widely acclaimed jersey, explaining that he encouraged Nike to embrace full creative freedom.

He further said his administration secured significant representation for Nigerians on CAF and FIFA committees, with at least 25 Nigerians holding various positions during his time on the CAF Council. According to him, much of this work unfolded behind the scenes and was not meant for public disclosure, though those familiar with the system understood his contributions.

Pinnick added that Nigeria’s presence within global football governance has expanded, citing appointments such as Aisha Falode’s inclusion on the FIFA media committee and representation on the FIFA ethics body. He emphasized that he does not engage in public criticism of predecessors and welcomed tough scrutiny as a necessary part of national development.

Despite Nigeria’s absence from the upcoming global tournament, Pinnick affirmed his commitment to supporting the country’s football growth. He noted that his current role as vice president of the committee for the 2026 World Cup places him in a strategically significant position, not only for Africa but for the wider football community.