Nigeria Football Federation boss Amaju Pinnick has lashed out at the African governing body after Victor Moses failed to make it into the top three of CAF’s Player of the Year nominees.
The Chelsea ace enjoyed an outstanding 2016-17 season with the English Premier League club, and has continued to catch the eye both for the Blues and the Super Eagles.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were included in CAF’s top three, and although the trio enjoyed fruitful season’s of their own, many were surprised by Moses’s exclusion.
Pinnick told Citi Sports: “I’m not happy because I feel that Moses should be part of the last three. The only reason [Riyad] Mahrez won in 2016 was because of what he did with Leicester City.
“Moses helped Chelsea to win the league; played in the FA Cup final; and helped Nigeria qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. So I wonder why.
“I’m surprised. Maybe we should look at other criteria either than coaches who already have their mindset about who they want to vote for.
Pinnick was especially surprised by Aubameyang’s inclusion ahead of Moses despite the speedster having scored goals for fun at Borussia Dortmund.
“Tell me what Aubameyang did last year to deserve a place ahead of Moses. He shouldn’t be on that list. He’s struggling with Dortmund.
“I am going to send a proposal to CAF for a new idea of selecting the players because certainly I’m not happy,” Pinnick concluded.
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