Football Crisis: Ilonyeosi Sides With Pinnick’s NFF

As different interpretations continue to trail the judgement of Supreme Court last Friday in Abuja on the suit brought by it by Ambassador Chris Giwa regarding the leadership tussle of the Nigeria Football Federation,  NFF, Chikelu Ilonyeosi, former Super Eagles defender has said that there is no cause for alarm as he believes  that the  NFF is on course under the leadership of Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

Speaking to PM EXPRESS in Abuja, Ilonyeosi said that Pinnick and his board are focused on the development of football in Nigeria with the giants strides the board have achieved in the areas of corporate sponsorship deals the NFF has signed recently  and the task of ensuring that the Super Eagles give a quality performance at the World Cup in Russia that will gladden the hearts of football loving Nigerians.

“People are free to interpret the Supreme Court judgement to suit their selfish interest, but I am glad that Amaju Pinnick and his  board  members of NFF are not distracted and football in Nigeria is on course under Pinnick.” Ilonyeosi said.

“And to think of the Supreme Court judgement  itself. The judgement did not state that  Pinnick should vacate office as the President of the NFF and Ambassador Chris Giwa should take over. Anyway, the truth is that Pinnick led NFF board  is determined to ensure the growth of football in Nigeria and the board is focused in giving the Super Eagles adequate preparation to excel at the World Cup,” he added.

Chikelu Ilonyeosi

Ambassador Giwa sought three prayers from the Supreme Court. He wanted the apex court to declare him as the authentic NFF President. He wanted the court to also upturn the decisions of the Appeal Court that ruled that the High Court erred in relisting the case and he asked  the Supreme Court to pronounce that the orders made by the High Court stands.

The Supreme Court ruled that his first request cannot be granted because of the first instance have not ruled on the substantive matter. This was in accordance to section 22 of the Supreme Court rules.

The Supreme Court upturned the Court of Appeal ruling delivered by Justice Joseph Tur on July 25th, 2016. The Apex court held that the judgement did not follow any known legal principles. The Court also ruled that the High Court was right to relist the case and maintained that the order remained valid.

The Supreme Court finally asked both parties to return to the High Court for an accelerated hearing on the substantive case.

The Supreme Court has only asked that the matters be heard from its foundation and there were no orders asking Pinnick and his board to vacate office .