Niger Football Federation (FNF) president Hamidou Djibrilla, widely known as “Pelé,” has received strong backing from Zimbabwean football chief Nqobil Magwizi in his bid for a seat on the FIFA Council.
Magwizi, who recently visited Niger to assess the country’s football infrastructure, hailed Djibrilla as a model leader and a figure capable of representing African interests on the global stage.
Support from Zimbabwe FA President
During his visit to Niamey, Magwizi expressed admiration for Djibrilla’s leadership and his impact on African football.
Africa needs a president like President Pelé,” Magwizi stated. “He is a great example for the younger generation of leaders like myself.
His expertise should benefit the entire continent, and that is why I believe he must sit on the FIFA Council to inspire other African nations and pave the way forward.”
Djibrilla, who currently serves on the CAF Executive Committee, is vying for a coveted position on the FIFA Council.
His campaign has seen him travel extensively across the continent, engaging with football federations in an effort to secure their support ahead of the upcoming elections in Cairo.
Challenges on the road to FIFA Council
Despite his growing support, Djibrilla’s path to FIFA’s governing body is not without obstacles.
His candidacy faces resistance due to the existence of the Nouakchott Pact, a political agreement within African football that has sought to exclude him from consideration.
The pact, forged among a coalition of federations, aims to influence voting patterns for FIFA Council seats, presenting a significant hurdle for Djibrilla’s ambitions.
However, the Nigerien football chief remains determined to challenge this agreement and make his case to the wider African football community.
With backing from figures such as Magwizi, he hopes to demonstrate that his experience and leadership qualities make him a deserving candidate to represent the continent at FIFA’s highest level.
Campaigning continues across Africa
Djibrilla has been actively visiting various nations to build alliances and rally support for his bid.
His campaign has focused on advocating for greater African representation in global football governance and pushing for structural improvements within the sport across the continent.
As the FIFA Council election draws closer, Djibrilla’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape of African football will be crucial.
While the Nouakchott Pact presents a formidable challenge, his growing base of supporters suggests that his candidacy cannot be dismissed.
With the election set to take place in Cairo, all eyes will be on whether Djibrilla can secure enough backing to overcome the political barriers and secure a seat at FIFA’s decision-making table.
