Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, and his successor, Ibrahim Gusau, have expressed their support for the appointment of Shehu Dikko as Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
Both leaders shared their enthusiasm in separate statements following the announcement on Wednesday, which came after a cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that reinstated the National Sports Commission, aiming to revitalize Nigerian sports.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting this significant role to Shehu Dikko, a person I believe has the potential to excel in this position. During our time at the NFF, I recognized Dikko as someone with a clear vision, dynamic energy, and a commitment to progress. His positivity and sincerity are commendable,” Pinnick stated.
He continued, “Dikko embodies productivity and creativity, playing a pivotal role in many of our achievements during that period. His dedication over three decades in the sports industry has equipped him with invaluable knowledge and experience. I am confident he will lead our sports sector towards improvement and help our athletes excel at the next Olympics in Los Angeles.”
Pinnick also highlighted Dikko’s potential to assemble a strong team, stating, “While he may be underestimated, I see him collaborating with the best minds to establish a thriving sports industry that benefits all stakeholders and contributes positively to the nation’s economy.”
In a similar vein, Gusau congratulated Dikko, emphasizing his extensive experience in football administration and marketing as assets for his new role. “On behalf of the NFF and the Nigerian football community, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Mallam Shehu Dikko on this important national assignment. I have full confidence in his knowledge, skill, and dedication to succeed at the National Sports Commission,” Gusau stated.
Gusau shared insights from their previous collaboration, saying, “Having served together on the NFF Board for nearly eight years, I can attest to his resourcefulness and innovative ideas. The Nigeria Football Federation looks forward to collaborating with him to elevate our football to new heights.”