Pinnick Represents Infantino as Australia Defeat Ireland in Sydney 

FIFA Council Member, Nigeria’s Amaju Melvin Pinnick was all smiles performing the rare duty of representing President of the Football governing body, Gianni Infantino as Australia played Republic of Ireland in the opening game of Group B of the 2023 women’s World Cup in  Sydney.

In a chat with THISDAY shortly after the game which the co-host nation won by the same 1-0 margin as the the opening game of the tournament between New Zealand and Norway, the former president of the NFF, PInnick, described the privilege as awesome.

“It was a rare privilege to be seated in the halfway line ( representing my boss, Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President)as co-host – Australia defeated Ireland in a very intense and exciting opening game in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand,” began the FIFA executive committee member.

Pinnick admitted that with the quality of the two matches played on the opening day of the tournament, “We are sure to see more shocks and quality matches from the other teams.”

The FIFA chief was in company with the Prime Minister of Australia,  Mr Anthony Norman Albanese in the VVIP as Australians  cheered their team to the if first victory of this edition.

“Truly, Gianni (Infantino) has changed the face of global football. For the first time, 32 nations including defending world champions the United States are participating in this edition. 

“In the words of my President, the future (of football) is women. Thanks to the fans for supporting what will be the greatest FIFA Women’s World Cup ever. It is the first Women’s World Cup with two co-hosts,” observed Pinnick.

While thanking God for the smooth beginning of the tournament, Pinnick hinted that “a little above 75,000 fans watched the game in the same stadium that hosted the Sydney Olympics 23 years ago.”