In a recent interview, FIFA Council Member Amaju Melvin Pinnick shared his thoughts on the appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the reestablished National Sports Commission (NSC). Pinnick believes Dikko is “the right man for the job,” expressing his confidence in Dikko’s ability to lead.

Dikko, who previously served as the second Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under Pinnick’s administration, also held the position of Chairman of the League Management Company, overseeing the Nigerian Professional Football League. With a background in Quantity Surveying and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Dikko has built a career as a professional football administrator and sports marketing expert. Notably, he contributed as a consultant to the drafting of the National Sports Commission bill for the Federal House of Representatives.

Dikko succeeds Senator John Owan Enoh, the former Minister of Sports, who has transitioned to the role of Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment. Pinnick reflected on the history of the Commission, noting that the last Nigerian to lead it was the late Shola Rhodes before the Ministry was reestablished under General Sani Abacha.

Pinnick extended his congratulations to Dikko on his new role, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting this significant responsibility to someone he believes can excel. He highlighted their close working relationship at the NFF, describing Dikko as a man of “profound vision, dynamism, and positivity.” Pinnick emphasized Dikko’s tireless work ethic and his extensive knowledge and experience in the sports industry over three decades.

“Dikko is a team player,” Pinnick stated, praising his integrity, energy, and resilience. He expressed optimism that Dikko will meet the expectations placed upon him, saying, “I see him bringing the best minds together to create a sports industry that benefits all stakeholders and makes a meaningful contribution to the country’s GDP.” Pinnick’s confidence underscores a hopeful vision for the future of sports in Nigeria under Dikko’s leadership, particularly with the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles on the horizon.