Amaju Pinnick Backs Arsenal to Win First-Ever Champions League Title, Plans to Attend Budapest Final

Amaju Pinnick, former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has thrown his weight behind Arsenal as the club prepares for their first UEFA Champions League final in 20 years. The prominent football administrator made his position clear on social media following Arsenal’s progression to the showpiece event.

Arsenal booked their place in the final after a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atlético Madrid, with Bukayo Saka netting the decisive first-half goal in the second leg on Tuesday. The result ends a two-decade wait for the Gunners to reach European football’s biggest club stage, and sets up their first-ever opportunity to claim the Champions League trophy.

Posting on his official Instagram account after the match, Pinnick offered his congratulations to the club and reflected on a personal memory tied to Arsenal’s last appearance at this stage of the competition. “Congratulations to the Gunners Arsenal for the grand entry into the finals of the UCL,” he wrote. “20 years ago, I watched live in Paris, with bitter memories, as we lost to Barcelona with 10 men.”

That reference points to Arsenal’s 2006 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona at the Stade de France — a match in which the Gunners had goalkeeper Jens Lehmann sent off in the first half. Arsenal led through a Sol Campbell goal before second-half strikes from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti sealed a 2-1 win for Barcelona. Pinnick, it appears, was present in the stadium for that defeat.

Looking ahead to the upcoming final in Budapest, Pinnick expressed optimism about Arsenal’s chances. “I pray and hope Arsenal lifts this coveted trophy this time around,” he added in the same post. He also confirmed his attendance, stating: “By His Grace, I will be in Budapest to watch the finals, thanks to my dear friend, Aleksander Čeferin, the UEFA President, who extended an invitation to me on my request.”

Notably, Atlético Madrid featured at least one prominent Super Eagles player during the two-legged tie, though Pinnick’s allegiances remained firmly with the English side throughout. His support for Arsenal despite that connection underlines the depth of his ties to the north London club.

Pinnick served as NFF President from 2014 to 2022 and also held a position on the FIFA Council, giving him longstanding relationships across world football’s governing bodies. His acquaintance with Čeferin, who has led UEFA since 2016, reflects the network he built during his tenure at the helm of Nigerian football.

Arsenal’s run to the final represents a significant milestone for the club under their current setup. Should they win in Budapest, it would be the first Champions League title in the club’s history. Their opponents in the final have yet to be confirmed, though the tie has attracted attention from high-profile figures across football — with Pinnick among those who will be watching from inside the stadium.