2022 FIFA World Cup: Pinnick Apologises, Says Nigeria Could Have Won The Trophy

Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick has finally swallowed his pride when he for the first time publicly apologised and expressed regrets for Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar under his leadership, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The FIFA Executive Council Member has been seen on television and social media platforms by Nigerians, enjoying the luxury of being a member of the World soccer governing body at the expense of the Super Eagles' ouster to Ghana Black Stars during the CAF final qualifying round.

Recall that the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the Mundial for the first time since 2006 after playing a 1-1 draw with Ghana in Abuja a few months ago.

Speaking on Arise TV on Thursday, Pinnick says he takes responsibility for Super Eagles’ failure not to be at the global football festival.

“This [Qatar 2022] could have been Nigeria’s World Cup. Osimhen would have been like what Maradona was in 1986 in that World Cup,” Pinnick said.

“Like I told the African teams [like Senegal and Morocco], we want an African team to win it [ the World Cup], but if you people don’t, Nigeria will be the first to win it, maybe in the next World Cup.

“When they are playing on the field, I take them as Nigerian. And again, I will apologize to Nigerians and I take responsibility as the then President of the Federation, but I believe we have gone beyond that now.”

He added, “Let us enjoy the World Cup. Qatar has given us a wonderful spectacle to behold, and I believe we should enjoy it. I am a proud Nigerian and am happy to be here to represent the country with dignity at any time.”