The Eagles on Saturday lost to Sudan 1-0 in a match they needed to win, thereby endangering Nigeria's qualification for the AFCON 2015.
It was also Sudan's first goal in the qualifying race, having lost at home 3-0 to South Africa and humbled
2-0 in Congo Brazzaville.
A statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by Ademola Olajire, Assistant Director, Communication, NFA, quoted Pinnick as saying that the new NFA board will ensure excellence for the game in the country.
"We understand that Nigerians are furious over the fact that the Eagles are last in their group and are in danger of not qualifying for the finals in Morocco.
"Everyone feels bad about this, including the members of NFA board; I call on Nigerians to have
patience.
"This new board is determined to do things differently. We are passionate about the game and
what we want to achieve is to build a sustainable football culture for our dear country.
"Our target is to ensure that Nigeria finishes in pole position at major football competitions in Africa and the world.
"We believe this is achievable through hard work, diligence, strategic planning and the support of everyone," the statement quoted Pinnick as saying.
The statement also said there was no reason why a country of about 170 million cannot raise a quality squad of two dozen footballers who can dominate Africa and the world.
It read in part that: "It is embarrassing that as reigning champions, we are struggling in the
qualifying series, with only one point out of a possible nine. It is an awful output.
"However, we want our people to be patient and not stampede the NFA to take hasty decisions that will
backfire in the end.
"We are on top of the situation and will take decisions that are in the best interest of Nigeria football.'' (NAN)
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