Nigeria are backing Mauritian FA president Ahmad as he takes on CAF president Issa Hayatou in next month’s presidential election.

In an interview with the BBC, Nigerian FA president Amaju Pinnick said the upcoming elections were a defining moment for African football and praised Ahmad for his decision to take on Hayatou.

Pinnick said Africa needed  a new generation of leaders to take the continent forward.

Nigeria’s support comes after Cosafa also endorsed Ahmad for the presidency in what is expected to be the biggest test yet for Hayatou.

Cosafa president Philip Chiyangwa has been quite vocal for the need for change as well as he spear heads Ahmad’s campaign

Hayatou has been CAF president since 1988 and is seeking an 8th term.