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Amaju Melvin Pinnick is a notable Nigerian football administrator who has made significant contributions to the development of football in Nigeria and beyond. Born on December 1, 1970, he rose to prominence through his leadership at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). From serving as president of the NFF to his involvement with FIFA and CAF, Pinnick’s career is both influential and controversial. In this biography, we explore his life, career achievements, legal challenges, and personal experiences while also touching on his net worth, family life, and other key aspects.
Early Life and Education of Amaju Pinnick
Amaju Pinnick was born into a polygamous family, one of 19 children. His upbringing and early life were shaped by his large family dynamic. He attended Hussey College in Warri, Delta State, where he earned his West African School Certificate.
Later, Pinnick pursued higher education at the University of Benin, where he graduated with a BSc in Political Science and Public Administration in 1994. Pinnick’s academic background laid a solid foundation for his future roles in football administration and business.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
Pinnick’s career in football administration began in 2010 when he became the chair of the Delta Sports Commission. He later served as the chairman of the Delta State Football Association in 2011.
His leadership skills in these roles caught the attention of the football community, leading to his election as president of the NFF on September 30, 2014. Pinnick’s first term marked a period of significant reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the state of Nigerian football.
During his tenure, Pinnick worked on the passage of the Nigeria Football Federation Bill, which was awaiting approval from President Muhammadu Buhari at the time. Pinnick’s leadership also faced numerous challenges, including the tragic death of a player from Remo Stars FC and the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which impacted Nigerian football.
Pinnick’s commitment to strengthening the Nigerian football leagues and addressing crises was evident throughout his two terms in office. In 2018, he was re-elected for another four-year term during the NFF Elective Congress in Katsina.
Pinnick’s Role in FIFA and CAF
Pinnick’s influence extended far beyond Nigerian football. He was appointed to the organizing committee for FIFA competitions in January 2017, a role that allowed him to influence the global football landscape.
The following month, Pinnick was elected to the CAF Executive Committee and later became the President of AFCON in May 2017. He also served as CAF’s First Vice President from September 2018 to July 2019.
Despite his high-ranking positions in African football, Pinnick’s relationship with CAF President Ahmad Ahmad soured, and in 2019, Pinnick was not re-nominated for the First Vice President role. His tenure in CAF leadership ended with the election of Constant Omari as his replacement.
Pinnick’s Election to the FIFA Council
In March 2021, Pinnick secured a seat in the prestigious FIFA Council, where he became the third Nigerian to ever hold a position in the Council, following Oyo Orok Oyo and Amos Adamu.
Pinnick’s victory in the FIFA election was notable, as he defeated Malawian FA president Walter Nyamilandu by 43 votes to 8 during the CAF General Assembly in Morocco.
Before this, Pinnick had withdrawn his bid for CAF presidency in support of South African billionaire Patrice Motsepe, highlighting his collaborative spirit in African football.
The 2016 Court Sacking Incident
Amaju Pinnick’s tenure as NFF president was not without controversy. In 2016, a Nigerian Federal High Court in Plateau State invalidated the 2014 NFF presidential election due to a petition filed by his opponent, Chris Giwa.
The court initially declared Giwa as the winner, but FIFA intervened, warning that Nigeria could face a ban if the ruling stood. With the intervention of then-President Goodluck Jonathan, Giwa was pressured to withdraw his case, allowing Pinnick to maintain his position as NFF president.
Fraud Allegations and Court Cases
In 2019, Pinnick faced serious allegations related to financial misconduct involving the NFF, particularly concerning an $8.4 million FIFA grant. The Nigerian court ordered the NFF to provide a charge sheet related to the alleged scandal.
Pinnick was accused of misappropriating funds, but both he and the NFF defended themselves, stating that their finances were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers and that FIFA had the authority to investigate such matters.
Despite the legal challenges, Pinnick continued to serve as president of the NFF until 2022.
Facial Injury: Amaju Pinnick Accident
In 2011, Pinnick suffered a life-changing accident during a St. Valentine’s Day celebration he hosted for couples at his residence in Warri, Delta State. A firework accident caused severe injuries to his face, including damage to his cheekbones and eardrums.
He underwent 14 surgeries for 10 days while in intensive care. Despite this traumatic experience, Pinnick has continued to thrive in his career, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
Amaju Pinnick’s Relationship with Davido
The former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) found himself in a legal conflict with Nigerian music star Davido over an alleged breach of contract.
The issue began when Pinnick, through his company Brownhill Investments, accused Davido of failing to perform at the “Warri Again” concert. According to Pinnick, Davido had been paid $94,600 in advance but did not fulfill his contractual obligation to perform at the event.
As the situation escalated, Brownhill Investments decided to take legal action. The company filed a lawsuit in the Delta State High Court, demanding N2.3 billion in damages for the alleged breach of contract. The case brought the dispute into the public eye, drawing attention to the disagreement between the two parties.
Instead of allowing the matter to continue in court, both Pinnick and Davido opted for an out-of-court settlement. Davido agreed to perform at the 19th edition of the Warri Again concert, which provided a way to resolve the situation without further legal complications.
The decision to settle outside of court meant the event could proceed as originally planned, and the legal dispute came to an end. Both parties were able to avoid more damage to their reputations and reached a compromise that worked for everyone involved.
After the resolution of the legal conflict, Davido invited Pinnick to his wedding.
Amaju Pinnick House
Pinnick’s illustrious career as a businessman and football administrator has fetched his properties, which include a mansion in Park View Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, where he recently held a meeting with three NFF Presidential candidates.
He has another bungalow in GRA, an event center in Warri, another bungalow in Asaba, an apartment in London, and a plot of land in Abuja.
Amaju Pinnick’s Wife and Children
His wife’s name is Julie Pinnick. The pair met at a wedding ceremony and later ran into one another at a club on the same day.
Julie, who hails from Ngwa, Abia State, has given Amaju four beautiful children, with the possibility of two or more kids in the immediate future.
She is the MD/CEO of J Cleaning Services. She’s also the MD of Brownhill Investments, which is majorly into show business.
Also, Julie is the co-convener of Warri Again Concerts.
Amaju Pinnick Net Worth
Amaju net worth, according to different sources, is between $1 and $5 million.
Pinnick has built a reputation as both a businessman and football administrator, he is often associated with various investments, including hotel ownership and agricultural ventures. His hotel business is particularly well-known, and he is believed to have several properties in Nigeria.
Additionally, Pinnick is involved in farming, running his own farm, which contributes to his overall business profile.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
