Amaju Melvin Pinnick, Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, has congratulated Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau; distinguished legal practitioner, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN); and veteran football administrator, Ayishat “Aisha” Falode, on their recent appointments to key FIFA Standing Committees.
In what marks another milestone for Nigeria’s growing influence in global football governance, the appointments place the trio at the core of FIFA’s decision-making framework:
Ibrahim Musa Gusau joins the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee.
Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN) has been named to the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee.
Ayishat “Aisha” Falode takes a seat on the FIFA Media and Communications Committee.
These selections, alongside Pinnick’s continued service at the global level, reaffirm Nigeria’s enduring contribution to football leadership worldwide.
As Deputy Chair of one of FIFA’s most strategic committees, which oversees the organisation and management of all men’s national team tournaments, Pinnick described the appointments as “a reflection of Nigeria’s strategic relevance and intellectual capital within the international football community.”
He expressed admiration for the trio, particularly Aisha Falode, acknowledging her trailblazing accomplishments in sports journalism, women’s football administration, and media leadership.
“I am honoured to continue serving within FIFA and privileged to work alongside Robert Harrison, Chair of the Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee,” Pinnick said.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate President Gusau, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, SAN, and Aisha Falode on their well-deserved appointments. Together, we represent a new era of professionalism, integrity, and innovation for Nigerian football on the global stage.”
Pinnick also lauded each appointee for their individual impact on the game:
“To President Gusau, your unifying leadership continues to uplift Nigerian football.”
To Abdulhakeem Mustapha, SAN, your integrity and intellect will reinforce FIFA’s commitment to fairness and equality.
To Aisha Falode, your journey from journalist to international football executive continues to inspire women across Africa. I am proud to serve alongside you all as we advance Nigeria’s legacy in global football.”
Falode’s appointment is particularly historic. The former Chairperson of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and the first female member of CAF’s Media and Communications Committee, she has long championed visibility, professionalism, and equity in the sport. Her inclusion in FIFA’s Media and Communications Committee marks yet another breakthrough for women in African football governance.
Pinnick, meanwhile, will continue his collaborative work with Paraguay’s Robert Harrison in shaping the direction of FIFA’s men’s national team competitions.
Collectively, these appointments mark a defining moment for Nigeria’s football diplomacy—positioning the nation at the heart of FIFA’s evolving global strategy in competitions, governance, media, and equality. Their combined expertise is expected to further elevate Nigeria’s voice and influence in the world game.