Author name: adm

Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) George Aluo has congratulated Muslim Faithful on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the subsequent Eid-El-Ftr celebration.

Ramadan is one of the major celebrations in the islamic calendar.

In a statement issued by his Media Aide Tayo Ogunseye, Aluo prayed that the act of renewal of faith by Muslims all-over the world particularly players and officials of the ‘Most Important League’ would help refocus their aspirations on creating a better future especially as the second phase the current season begins on April 4.

Aluo also felicitated with the Nigeria Football Federation President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and the National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko for the success of the Ramadan.

“As you know, the Holy month of Ramadan is one of the most important religious activities for our Muslim brothers and sisters who went through one month of deprivation as a way of building their spiritual well-being and renewal of faith.

I want to congratulate members of my board and the clubs as well as the players, the NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and members of the NFF board on this wonderful occasion. I also send my wishes to Mallam Shehu Dikko; the National Sports Commission Chairman on this very important celebration.

We are happy to celebrate this very important ceremony after the conclusion of the Ramadan. I pray that all their desires and aspirations will be answered as they renew their beliefs and focus on God to guide us in making our football bigger nationally and globally.”

He seized the period of the end of Ramadan celebrations to remind stakeholder on the need remain focused and do everything to project the second-tier division as the most important league in the country.

Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL), Mr. George Aluo has been bestowed as a Fellow of Institute of Management Consultants of Nigeria

In an impressive ceremony held Thursday in Lagos, program Coordinator of the Institute, Doofan Janet Ako said Aluo was made a Fellow of the Institute based on his track record as a journalist and sports administrator as well as the transformation he has brought to the second tier League noting that the Institute is proud to associate with him.
” We’re happy to bestow fellowship of the Institute on you considering you’re track record as a journalist and the good work you’re doing at the NNL.

“We have been watching your transformation agenda of the most important league in the country which has made it attractive and we believe your deserve the fellowship more than any other person”, she stressed.

In his response, Aluo thanked the Institute for finding him worthy to be bestowed with their fellowship; saying that it is an honour he cherishes and one that would enhance his performance as a journalist and sports administrator.

Aluo also used the occasion to thank the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for giving him the opportunity to serve on the executive board of NFF and as chairman of the nation’s second tier league the NNL even as he promised that he’ll continue to do his best with the NNL board to take the domestic league to greater heights.

Photo : Program Coordinator of Institute of Management Consultants (IMC) Doofan Janet Ako handing over Fellowship Certificate to George Aluo (FIMC) at a ceremony in Lagos.

It is the second wedding in the family of Mr & Mrs Kemi and Emmanuel Attah . I am indeed grateful to Almighty God , I honour Him , it is a thing of joy . I glorify God for his mercy and love for my family. These were the exact words of Nigeria National League (NNL) Chief Executive Officer , Emmanuel Attah who is expected to lead his second son Adoyi Jimmy to the alter as he takes his heartthrob of long, Blessing daughter of late Mr & Mrs Asaka John for an open vow before God’s congregation to say ‘I do’ .Mr. Attah is enjoying a life time fulfilment as a father for the second time as his son Adoyi who is a senior Officer with anti graft Agency, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC) weds. The first marriage in the family was that of his first daughter some months ago. “To God be the glory that i am alive to witness all these in the life of my children and to be there for them. Let me use this opportunity to thank the manegement and members of staff , Nigeria National League (NNL) , the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President ,National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) Directors , leadership of the National Sports Commission(NSC) and so many others . “I am grateful for their show of love and for supporting me thus far, this shows we are one family. Blessing and Adoyi will walk to the Aisle on Saturday 21st December , 2024 in Abuja . This is wishing them blissful married life,Amen.

By Patrick Ngwaogu

Improved officiating and spirited away performances shine on Match Day 1The opening week of the Nigeria National League (NNL) delivered surprises, with a remarkable number of away wins and draws showcasing improved officiating and sportsmanship across the board.

This shift is a testament to the leadership’s commitment to transforming the league.

Conference A:

12 goals, 1 away win, 2 away draws, 2 home wins.

Conference B:

3 goals, 3 away draws, no home wins.

Conference C:

6 goals, 1 away win, 1 draw.

Conference D:

7 goals, 2 away wins, 3 losses.

Match Day 2 promises to consolidate these gains with thrilling fixtures across all conferences.

Conference A Fixtures

Crown Ogbomosho vs. Ijele FC

The Ajilete Boys seek redemption after their loss to Warri Wolves. Ijele FC, fresh from a solid start, will aim to capitalize on any cracks in Crown’s defense.

Dakkada vs. Warri Wolves

Warri Wolves face a tough test in Uyo against a resilient Dakkada side that held defending champions Beyond Limits to a draw last week.

Igbajo vs. Beyond Limits

Igbajo’s task is daunting as they host the defending champions, Beyond Limits, in Osogbo after losing to 1472 in Lagos.

Abia Comets vs. 1472

Fresh off a crucial away win, Abia Comets look to solidify their position against a spirited 1472 side.

Smart City vs. Edel FC

Smart City debuts this season at the Mobolaji Anthony Stadium against Edel FC, who are eager to bounce back from a narrow loss to Abia Comets.

Conference B Fixtures

ABS vs. Abakiliki

After a tough loss in Owerri, ABS will aim to recover at home against Coach Ifeanyi Onyedika’s Abakiliki squad.

Godswill Akpabio vs. Kun Khalifa

Table-toppers Kun Khalifa visit Uyo, determined to maintain their early dominance against Godswill Akpabio Boys.

Osun Utd vs. Gateway Utd

This South West derby promises fireworks as both teams, coming off draws, seek their first wins of the season.

Rovers vs. First Bank

Both sides aim to secure their first victories in what promises to be a fiercely contested game.

Sporting Lagos vs. Solution FC

Sporting Lagos kicks off their promotion campaign at home, with a determined Solution FC seeking to spoil the party.

Conference C Fixtures

Wikki Tourists vs. Barau

Wikki Tourists, buoyed by an away win last week, aim to maintain their form against newcomers Barau.

Jigawa Golden Stars vs. Zamfara Utd

Both teams are desperate for redemption after disappointing starts. Expect a hard-fought encounter.

Gombe Utd vs. Sokoto Utd

This top-billed clash between high-flying Sokoto and Gombe United promises a thrilling battle, as both teams aim to assert dominance in the race for promotion.

Conference D Fixtures

Yobe Desert vs. Adamawa Utd

Two North East teams with a point to prove. Yobe Desert, playing at home, has the edge after both teams suffered opening losses.

Sporting Supreme vs. Basira.

Sporting Supreme, buoyed by their victory in Kebbi, will look to maintain their momentum against a confident Basira side.

Doma vs. Kebbi Utd

Doma United’s quest for promotion begins at home as they seek to capitalize on Kebbi United’s opening-week loss.The stage is set for another thrilling weekend in the NNL, as teams battle for supremacy and consolidation.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Hon, Gbenga Elegbeleye, is very happy with the Match Day One results and conduct of the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Speaking on Tuesday, Elegbeleye said he was wowed with the smooth opening of the NNL season.

He added that a good start is always important in everything such that one can work towards retaining the good record set from the start.

In some of the games, Abia Comets recorded an away victory against Edel FC winning by 1-2, while Beyond Limits were forced to a 1-1 draw by Dakkada FC and Inter Lagos also recorded 2-2 draw away at Ijele FC ground.

Elegbeleye said: “I am so happy with reports we got from the NNL league that just started. The NPFL should work with the NNL to ensure the leagues are evolving in a perspective that we will say it’s growing and now we have the league of our dreams. We can go out there and win matches without undue favoritism for the home team. If you play well you will win. “That is the kind of football league that I want and the premier league is working on that. I’m sure if we go back to Nigerian football ecosystem, we will have a standard that all of us can be proud of and the Europeans will look at us and say there’s an improvement.

“The consistency of keeping the league strong is that challenge before all the domestic leagues and this means we cannot afford to rest at all. We have to work, work and work to keep the standard at the expected level in all our operations.”

Experienced football administrator, Mike Idoko has commended the Nigerian National League (NNL) board for the transformation it has brought to the second tier League.

He made the commendation when he visited the chairman of the League board, Mr. George Aluo in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Idoko who worked with Warri Wolves, Sunshine Stars, Lobi Stars, and Heartland among other clubs, he has been monitoring the activities of the league board; saying he’s satisfied with what they’re doing.

“I must have to commend the present board of the NNL for the positive changes it has brought to the most important league in the country. I have been monitoring the activities of the league and I must confess that am satisfied with what the George Aluo led board is doing.“When you look at what happened last season, you’ll discover that many NNL teams won matches on the road which has never happened before in the history of the second tier league. “And to crown it all, five NNL teams qualified for the quarter- finals of the Federation Cup with one of them winning the competition which shows the quality of the league and I urge the board to keep it up”, he said.In his remarks, NNL Chairman Mr. George Aluo thanked him for the visit, promising that they will build on the successes recorded last season to give Nigerians a world class league they’ll be proud of.

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.