Football will return for Paris Olympic Games — Pinnick

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has pledged that Nigeria will once again participate in the Olympics Games beginning from the Paris 2024.

It will be recalled that Nigeria, both the male and female teams did not qualify for the just concluded Tokyo Olympic Games.

Pinnick was particularly delighted at the performance of multi-talented Ese Brume, who won the women’s long jump: “I am happy for Ese (Brume) because I played a role in her discovery and nurturing. I am fulfilled with her career progression and I believe she will be there in Paris in three years’ time to win the gold medal.

“I also pledge that our football teams will return to the Games in three years’ time in Paris and compete favourably for the gold medals,” he said.

Similarly, Pinnick has hailed the outcome of the 2021 Aiteo Cup finals, which saw Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens emerging victorious in the male and female events.

Speaking at the sidelines at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the FIFA Council member said the victories highlighted the surprises the competition throws up.

“The Aiteo Cup is all about surprises. We saw Bayelsa Queens dominate the proceedings of the game against almighty FC Robo. For the men’s game, Nasarawa, a high-flying team in the Premier League playing against a struggling Bayelsa United, which is the beauty of the game.

“I am particularly thrilled about the centre referee, Madu who is one of the best female referees in the continent. We have not gotten to where we want to but we are getting there gradually,” he noted.