.jpg)
It has come to the notice of the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, stories circulating in some sections of the media, that the NFF President Amaju Melvin Pinnick received funds for the Federation's International friendly between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Congo DR in Port Harcourt on Monday, May 28, 2018.
The reports claimed that money was delivered to Mr Pinnick at his residence in Lagos.
In his reaction, Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Boma Iyaye described the reports as untrue.
“At no time was money from the Rivers State Ministry of Sports paid into the account of Mr Pinnick or delivered to him personally in his residence.
“All monies meant for the successful prosecution of the International friendly game between Nigeria and Congo DR were paid directly into the CBN remita Bank account of the NFF and handled by the Rivers State Ministry of Sports," Iyaye said.
Iyaye further stated that Rivers State decided to support the hosting of the International friendly match in Port Harcourt because that was when the Super Eagles commenced their quest for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a preliminary round qualifying game against Swaziland.
It also came against the backdrop of the launching of the partnership between Rivers State and Real Madrid for the establishment of a world-class football academy in Rivers State attended by key NFF chieftains who also attended the international friendly game played earlier on the same day in Port Harcourt.
Hon Iyaye concluded by advising the media to always cross check their stories to ensure that facts are reported accurately and guarantee that the image of Nigerian football is not damaged
