November 2024

The 15,000-capacity Pa-Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, is expected to erupt with excitement as Abakaliki FC, nicknamed “The Rice Boys,” take on Madiba FC of Lagos, also known as “The Oshodi Boys,” in the Conference B Nigeria National League (NNL) 2024 curtain raiser.

Abakaliki FC, formed in October 2024 by the Ebonyi State government, will face a stiff challenge from Madiba FC, who finished third in the NNL Super 8 tournament in Enugu last season. Madiba FC boasts an experienced coach in Solomon Bala and retains 80% of their players from the previous season.

On the other hand, Abakaliki FC is led by experienced coach Ifeanyi Onyedika, who has previously coached defunct Ebonyi Angels, Dolphins, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, and Briller FC of Enugu. With the full backing of Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the presence of two-time Distinguished Senator Obinna as its Chairman, Abakaliki FC is poised to spring surprises in front of their home fans.

The match is expected to be a closely contested encounter, with both teams having the potential to secure a win. However, pundits predict that the game might end in a draw, given the government backing of Abakaliki FC and Madiba FC’s consistency in the NNL.

Other teams in Conference B include Solution FC of Anambra, Rovers of Calabar, First Bank of Lagos, Osun United, Gateway United of Ogun, Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri, ABS of Ilorin, and Sporting Lagos.

As part of it’s efforts at further popularizing the second tier League as well as give it international recognition, the board of Nigerian National League ( NNL) has signed a partnership deal with leading sports platform, Sofascore.

The deal will allow, the company to download NNL matches, players, results and statistics on its official website for their millions of users worldwide as well as in their soft care Editor app which allows local tournaments to be visible to Sofascore.

According to the deal which was signed on behalf of the NNL by the Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Attah and Karto Levak on behalf of Sofascore, it makes the company the official technical partner of the football body.

The deal also allows Sofascore to display it’s logo or their promotional materials such as flyers and banners as well as include Sofascore logo in all official communications where the League partners are visible.

The deal which both parties agree is to achieve mutual business and economic benefits will help in showcasing the league and it’s players to the outside world through the Sofascore app.

Speaking on the landmark agreement, Chairman of NNL, Mr. George Aluo described it as a welcome development noting that it will help to make the league more attractive as many people within and outside the shores of the country will have the opportunity of getting more information about the league on the official website of the partners.

More quality and colour have been added to the Imo Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Chapter Awards as President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Gusau has been confirmed as one of the invited guests who will be present at the event holding today in Owerri, Imo State.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) George Aluo has also given his words to be present at the grand award ceremony where he will be bestowed with the Imo SWAN Sports Iconic Administrator of the Year this Saturday evening.

Aluo’s remarkable strides as the head of the board of the ‘Most Important League’ has seen the second-tier division climb in ratings going by the positives achieved in the past season while stepping up with higher standards for the in-coming season.

Last October, all 36 clubs’ coaches and the Media Managers were exposed to a 3-day training on different aspects of the game ahead of the new season which kicks off next weekend November 30 in Abakaliki, Ebonyi.

The Award is the final leg of the Imo SWAN Chapter Week, is expected to witness top personalities when proceeding begins at 4pm this evening at Rockview Hotel.

The Chairman of the Nigerian National League (NNL), George Aluo, arrived in Aba, Abia State, on Tuesday to attend the finals of the ongoing Abia State Governor’s NALCOMA Pre-Season Tournament.

Aluo was warmly received by Chief Boniface Alozie Uche, Chairman of Abia Comets FC and NNL Board member representing NALCOMA.
Aluo praised the tournament as an excellent opportunity for teams to prepare for the upcoming season, which kicks off on November 30.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, for his support of the tournament and urged the participating teams to take full advantage of the platform to assess and refine their squads ahead of the new season.

In a similar vein, Chief Boniface Alozie Uche emphasized that the level of competition in the four-day tournament provides teams with a valuable chance to evaluate their players and identify areas for improvement.

On the field, the second day of the tournament saw NNL side Solution FC of Awka suffer a 1-0 defeat to Diamond Football Academy, while Edel FC of Awka triumphed 2-0 over Uchecaria.

The tournament continues on Wednesday, with Uchecaria set to face Abia Comets at 9 AM, followed by a match between Kun Khalifa and Diamond Academy.

In recognition of his sterling performance as Chairman of Nigerian National League (NNL) as well as his immense contributions to the promotion and growth of sports in Imo State and Nigeria in general, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria ( SWAN), Imo State Chapter has nominated the Chairman of the country’s second tier League, Mr. George Aluo for it’s prestigious ‘Iconic Administrator of the Year Award’.

In a letter of nomination by the association signed by the Chairman, Cosmas Chukwuemeka and Secretary, Tunde Liadi respectively, the body noted that he was chosen for the award as a token of appreciation for the transformation he has brought to the most important league in the country as well as his continuous support for the association and the general growth of sports not only in Imo State but the entire country.

” Your choice for the award is Imo SWAN’s token of appreciation for your immense contributions to the promotion and growth of sports in Imo State nay Nigeria at large as well as your friendly disposition towards our association”, noted the statement.

The body stated that the award will be bestowed on him during the grand finale of Imo SWAN week holding on Saturday, November, 16 at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri, the Imo State Capital.

The Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Dr Ayo Abdulrahman, was very vocal in praising the professionalism and resourcefulness of the chairman of the Nigerian National League,  George Aluo.

Dr Ayo in his vote of thanks speech at the closing ceremony of the NNL 3-day capacity workshop for coaches and media managers at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, endorsed George Aluo’s style of leadership.

“I must confess that I have never worked with a chairman that is as prudent as George Aluo before now. He is so meticulous and resourceful in all his projects.”

The 3-day Capacity Building workshop was a one of its kind in Nigeria, bringing together all the coaches and media managers of the NNL clubs to be prepared for the upcoming season.

The workshop was well embraced as the chairman of the Nigerian National League clubs Godwin Ehakhena charged the various clubs image makers on what to expect of them as the league resumes.

Former Super Falcons media manager Oluchi Tobex Tobe-Chukwu was meticulous in taking the media officers on, highlighting their roles in tackling crisis management and communication.

The very experienced Tony Ubani took the media through the rigours of writing professional and compelling media releases and match reports.

The much respected arsenal of his time, Coach Fatai Amoo and Alphonsus Dike were intensive with the coaches.

The highlight of the workshop was the chairman of NNL George Aluo presenting an award to Hon. Kunle Soname applauding his exemplary investment in football in Nigeria as he
he has consistently touched both male and women football.

Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) has applauded Nigeria National League (NNL) players’ impact in the Flying Eagles squad that won the just concluded WAFU B U20 Championship Lome,Togo.

Nigeria successfully defended her title on Wednesday night after a 2-1 defeat of regional rivals, Ghana in this year’s final .

Three of the players in Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s squad were players picked from three NNL sides, and were pivotal in the team’s success in winning the WAFU B Championship, which equally qualifies them for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Goalkeeper Harcourt Ifeanyi plays for Sporting Lagos, Haruna Aliyu is Doma United player, while Kparabo Arierhi plays for Beyond Limits of Ikenne, Ogun State.

Haruna Aliyu, a defender played all three games; Harcourt Ifeanyi also played three games, while Kparabo Arierhi scored four goals, with his brace in the final against Ghana helping the Flying Eagles to victory.

While praising the impact of the NNL,adjudged as ‘the Most Important League’ in the age-grade competition, the President of NALCOMA, Godwin Enakhena commended the players for their resilience, commitment and dedication towards a general cause.

He equally praised and congratulated the NNL Board, led by Mr George Aluo for doing a great job, and keeping the flag flying.

Godwin Enakhena added that NNL clubs will continue to contribute to the genuine development of the round leather game, especially at the grassroots level, by giving younger players the opportunity to showcase their talents in age-grade competitions.

Nigeria and Ghana will represent WAFU B at next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, to be hosted by South Africa.