Nigeria’s Amaju Melvin Pinnick narrowly failed to retain his seat on the FIFA council, missing out by just one vote in the elections held during the 14th CAF Extraordinary Congress in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday.
The former president of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) secured 28 votes but fell short as Mauritania’s Ahmed Yhaya and Djibouti’s Souleman Hassan Waberi each garnered 29 votes to claim spots on the council.
Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa led the voting with an impressive 49 votes, while Egypt’s Hany Abou Rida and Niger’s Djibrilla Hima Hamidou both secured their places with 35 votes each.
Kanizat Ibrahim of Comoros emerged as Africa’s female representative on the FIFA Council, earning 30 votes. She outperformed Lydia Nsekera, a former FIFA Councila and IOC member, who recieved 13 votes, and the incumbent Isha Johansen, who managed seven.
Other candidates, including Zambia’s Andrew Kamanga (19 votes), Côte d’Ivoire’s Yacine Idrisss Diallo (18 votes), and Senegal’s Austin Senghor (13 votes), did not secure enough votes. Meanwhile, Benin Republic’s Mathurin De Chacus withdrew from the race before voting began.
In another key development, South African businessman and football administrator Patrice Motsepe was re-elected unopposed as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for a second four-year term.
Motsepe who took office in 2021, confirmed his re-election during the CAF Extraordinay General Assembly in Cairo, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also present.
Under his leadership, CAF has seen notable financial improvements, with the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) generating a record-breaking $72M in profit – 18 times more than the previous edition in 2022.
Despite these gains, Motsepe stressed the need for further improvement in football infrastructure across Africa.
“In 2021, there were 36 African countries unable to host international football matches in their own stadiums. That number has dropped to 12, but it remains a major concern,” he stated. “At CAF and FIFA, it is our responsibility to continue investing in sports infrastructure development.”
One of the most talked about moments from the elections was the unopposed selection of Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o to CAF’s Executive Committee.
The former Barcelona and Inter Milan star, who has been president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) since 2021, initially faced disqualification due to governance concerns. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) overturned the ruling, allowing him to contest and ultimately win a seat on the committee.
Eto’o’s election has met with enthusiasm, as he recieved a warm reception from delegates, solidifying his growing influence in African football.
The results of the 14th CAF Extraordinary Congress reflect a renewed commitment to governance, development, and financial stability in African football.
With Motsepe continuing at the helm and a mix of seasoned and emerging leaders joining the FIFA Council and CAF Executive Committee, the continent looks to build on recent successes while addressing ongoing challenges in the years ahead.
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