Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, claims the country has gained more acceptance around the world since he assumed office in 2014.
Pinnick is seeking to remain in the Glass House for another four years.
He is being challenged by his predecessor, Aminu Maigari, former Secretary-General, Taiwo Ogunjobi and Chinedu Okoye.
Pinnick, who doubles as CAF Vice-President, is convinced he is best suited to return.
“I have often been criticised for paying more attention to CAF and FIFA politics, but I tell you, there has never been a better time Nigeria has enjoyed more acceptability on the global scene than now,” he told Hot Sports on Tuesday.
“I think its a mighty leap for Nigeria that I am in CAF and FIFA. It should not be seen as an individual thing but something of immense benefit to Nigeria.
“Look around you. How many Nigerians do you have on the global space, influencing major decisions that benefit their country? Very few, I tell you. It is therefore in this light we should be encouraged more than being always vilified.”
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) twice under his watch.
The Delta-born administrator takes full responsibility for those absences.
“As a leader, I take responsibility for all that happened. I don’t want to apportion blames, but I can tell you there were difficult situations that stood in the way of our qualification for the AFCON on those occasions.”
