I didn’t influence Finidi George’s appointment, says Pinnick

Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed claims of influencing the appointment of Findi George as the Super Eagles head coach.

Mixed reactions continue to trail George’s appointment, following the NFF’s somewhat shocking preference of the Enyimba gaffer, after earlier reports suggested Emmanuel Amunike was the preferred indigenous profile.

Prior to the NFF’s announcement on Monday, Pinnick was one of the influential figures in the Nigerian football space who threw his weight behind coach George, citing his wealth of experience as an invaluable asset.

“If I were to subscribe to anyone at the moment, because of the smooth transition from Peseiro, I should say Finidi George, and I don’t have any regrets about it.” the ex-administrator told Channels Television.

However, the 53-year-old in a chat with Lagos Talks FM believes his endorsement didn’t force the hands of the incumbent NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

“The president (Ibrahim Gusau) is very capable, always working round the clock,” Pinnick said.

“If I have a good synergy with my successor, I don’t think there’s any reason to say that I’m the one that chose Finidi George.

“Why should I be? Gusau was a key member in (Aminu) Maigari’s regime. Then in my own regime, he was very cardinal.

“He understands the dynamics, the theatrics, the politics, the game. And he’s an accountant, very prudent, so people should not just say things.”