Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL), Mr. George Aluo has charged NNL side, El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri to go all out and win this year’s President Federation Cup.
The finals of the most glamorous football competition in the country tagged the ‘Battle of the Warriors’ will take place on Saturday, June, 29, 2024 between El Kanemi Warriors and NPFL side Abia Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena ( Onikan ), Lagos.El Kanemi who have won the competition twice in 1991 and 1992 got to this year’s finals by eliminating fellow NNL side, Kebbi United 5-4 on penalties after their semi-final game ended goalless at regulation time while Abia Warriors playing their first ever cup finals beat fellow NPFL side, Kano Pillars 4-3 on penalties after their game ended 0-0.Speaking on the finals, Aluo noted that the fine run of El Kanemi in both the second tier league and the Federation Cup is an indication that they can lift the trophy for the third time, urging them to maintain their winning run in the finals just as he stated that their victory would further prove that NNL is truly the most important league in the country.According to him, the number of NNL teams that made it to the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the FA Cup shows how solid the league is and the good work done by the league body and expressed confidence that the three other promoted teams will do well in the NPFL next season.
The NNL boss also commended Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) and their strategic partners GTI Assets Management & Trust Limited for bringing back the glamour of the most prestigious football tournament in the country.
“As football fans eagerly awaits the finals of this year’s Federation Cup, I must commend the NFF and their strategic partners, GTI for what they have done to bring back the glamour of the most prestigious football tournament in the country.”
History will always remember them as those who changed the narratives of Nigerian football and I will be ever grateful to them”, he concluded.The winner of the President Federation Cup will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup along side Enyimba FC of Aba.
COMMUNIQUE OF NNL BOARD MEETING HELD IN ENUGU, AN AFTERMATH OF THE SEASON ENDING SUPER EIGHT (07-13 JUNE,2024.
The Board of the Nigeria National League had its Board Meeting in Enugu at the Secretariat of Rangers FC, Enugu, and resolved as follows:
1.The Board unequivocally thanked and eulogized His Excellency, the Executive Governor Barrisyer Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the good people of Enugu State for sponsoring the 2023/2024 Nigeria National League promotion playoff.
2.The Board praised the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Mr.Ibrahim Gusau and the entire NFF Executive Board Members for providing leadership direction, their support and continuous guidance to make NNL the Most Important League in Nigeria.
3.The Board immensely appreciates NNL Partners for their collaboration, and providing more visibility to the league on the just concluded . They include; Prostar Recreational Services Ltd, Metrodigital TV(SLTV), Dekaizen Worldwide Ltd, Sportslight Hub Ltd, Monimichelle and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
4.The Board resolved that henceforth any Club that purchases a club from a particular conference must play for one season before applying for a change of conference of preference.
5.The Board approved upward review of Change of Ownership and Change of Location upon purchase of NNL slot to N5,000,000.00 naira only by Club.
6.The Board approved the constitution/Rule book of the NNL Review Committee. members are:
Mr.Emmanuel Attah – Chairman Mr. Yakubu Sarma – Member 2 Club Representatives – Members Nicholas Akujobi – Secretary
7.The board confirmed four( 4) Clubs:Nasarawa United,El -Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri, Beyond Limits Football Academy of Ikenne-Remo ,Ogun State Ikorodu City FC,Lagos who emerged tops ahead of others after the Super eight Play off in Enugu, as promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
8.The board equally certified Beyond Limits FA as overall worthy winners/Champions of the 2023/2024 NNL season
Signed: Communiqué drafting Committee: Dr. Donald Ikpe – Chairman Yakubu Sarma – Member Dr. Ayo Abdulrahaman – Secretary
Beyond Limits Football Academy of Ikenne, Ogun State have been crowned the champions of the Nigeria National League (NNL) after they won the season-ending Super 8 Playoffs by defeating Nasarawa United 4-3 on penalties after score stood at 2-2 in regulation time at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Thursday.
The exciting final match of the much-talked about season was witnessed by the Nasarawa State Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, NNL Chairman George Aluo and Barrister Isaac Danladi as well as other dignitaries.
The league debutants who topped the Southern Conference with 7 points after three games in the Group playoffs went ahead through Farouq Ogundare from the spot in the 28th minute, while Annas Yusuf levelled scores for Nasarawa United five minutes later.
The team handled by Olumide Ajibolade regained the lead again through Shina Ayodele just after the break but substitute Peter Eneji equalised for the Solid Miners 12 minutes from time.
In the penalty shootout, Beyond Limits coveted four of their kicks while Nasarawa United could only convert three out of five.
The two finalists as well as El-Kanemi Warriors and Ikorodu City have already secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“I’m very, very happy” said coach Ajibolade who couldn’t contain his excitement and emotions after the final whistle. “It’s a good way to cap the season. What you can see today” he continued, “is a tip of iceberg. It’s what we can deliver due to hard work, Its as a result of so much investment, so much intentions behind everything we did. If you watched the game, you will see that there is so much intention behind what we want to play. Even when it was difficult, we stuck to the principles from the build up. That’s the ideals and we learn in the process. We are not looking at the result or the trophy, we are looking at how we got the trophy “
Olumide Ajibolade Coach Beyond Limits
“This season has been better that previous season. I have never played in the NNL, I have always been an observers and I know how difficult people say it is. I think we were able to win three away games in a row in the regular season. That’s not a Nigerian thing. Of course, it was difficult but this was possible due to the positives introduced by the NNL management.”
NNL Chairman Aluo at the closing ceremony who was full of smiles as he addressed the media.
He gave thanks to God for the success and also appreciated stakeholders including the media for the positive reviews.
“Our efforts are just little but whatever you put in God’s hands, you will receive success and to the people, firstly I want to thank the President of the Nigeria Football Federation Ibrahim Gusau right from day one, he has been very supportive even when the Super Eagles were in Uyo and Ivory Coast for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he called the referees and reminded them of perfect officiating. I also spoke with them. He is a man who wants to change the narrative of Nigerian football.”
“No team left here with a complain and the four teams that gained promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League are the best going by the level playing field they all enjoyed. We were decisive in tackling issues with conducts. Within a week during the regular season, seven referees were shown the exit door while clubs who failed to follow the rules were asked to go. So, we have been deliberate on what the league should be and that’s the gospel of we have been preaching to the clubs” he said.
NNL Awards For The 2023/2024 Super Eight
1.Most Valuable Player (MVP). Farouq Ogundare Club-Beyond Limits Football Academy,Ikenne- Remo Ogun State .
2.Best Goalkeeper Winner:Emmanuel Olisa Club: Beyond Limits Football Academy, Ikenne-Remo.
3.Highest goal Scorer Two players scored three goals in the NNL Super Eight. *Kparobo Arieerhi of Beyond Limits *Yusuf Toheeb of Ikorodu City. Based of the fact that Yusuf Toyeeb of Ikorodu City who played less number of matches (Three), he was declared winner and not Kparobo Arierhi who played four matches.
*Winner Yusuf Toheeb of Ikorodu City.
4.*Most Disciplined Coach: Adams Usman Technical Adviser Nasarawa United
5.Best Behaved Team Inter – Lagos FC.
Awards Sponsors Prostar Sports International Limited
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6.Best Performing Referee Oscar Iwuamadu (Imo State Referees Council)
7.Best Performing Assistant Referee Mohammed Ibrahim Gusau(Zamfara State Referees Council)
8.Best Performing Assistant Referee Ridwan Lawal (Oyo State Referees Council)
Nasarawa United football club of Lafia and El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduiguri have secured tickets to return to the elite Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), after playing one season the Nigeria National League (NNL)Recall that Nasarawa United and El Kanemi Warriors were both relegated to the country’s second league, the Nigerian National League (NNL), after they failed to survive at the end of the 2023 season of the top flight NPFL.
At the final group matches played simultaneously at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC) stadium, both in Enugu, the Solid Miners booked their return to the elite league after over powering Sporting Supreme FC of Abuja by two goals to one (2–1), while El Kanemi Warriors pounced pointless Sokoto United 4–1 to pick the second ticket from the leagues Northern Conference Nasarawa United booked their return in a fashionable way, after showing their supremacy, as they won all three matches they played at the Super 8 championship, having earlier defeated El -Kanemi Warriors 1–0 and Sokoto United 2-1 in the previous games to emerge winners of the Northern conference.
El- Kanemi Warriors however came second from the conference, after it bounced back from its loss to Nasarawa United In the first game to beat Sporting Supreme and Sokoto United at their second and final group matches respectively, ending the group at six points behind Nasarawa United who finished at nine points.
Ogun state based Beyond Limits FC and Ikorodu United also booked their places to play at the elite league next season after they all finished at seven and five points respectively, with victories over Inter Lagos and Madiba FC in the final games of the Southern Conference
While Ikorodu United trounced fellow Lagos state side, Madiba 2 – 0, Beyond Limits recorded a slim 1-0 win over another Lagos based team, Inter Lagos to cement their NPFL ticket in the 2024/2025 season.
The results from the Southern Conference however, show that Beyond Limits emerged the group winners despite finishing at same seven points while Ikorodu United finished second with five points.
As the Northern Conference winners, Nasarawa United will therefore square up against Beyond Limits (Southern Conference), winners in the grand finale on Thursday to decide the eventual winners of the 2024 NNL season.
This even as Nasarawa United striker Toyeed Yusuf, who was the tormentor in chief of Sporting Supreme emerged the ProStat Man of the Match for the second time.
Yusuf who was the scorer of one of the Solid Miners goals against the Abuja based opponents, was also voted the MOTN at the Nasarawa United’s second game against Sokoto United on Monday The NNL Super 8 Man Of The Match (MOTN) award is sponsored by football wears manufacturing giants, Pro Star, in partnership with the NNL.
The last set of group matches in the NNL Super eight play off will be played simultaneously at two venues,the “Cathedral” Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the University of Enugu UNEC Temporary Stadium.
The first of four matches will be played 10’Clock in the morning June 12,2024 while ,the second and last set of games are scheduled for 12:30pm.
The Northern Conference is open for all teams even with Nasarawa United on six points after two wins and would be needing a draw to pick one of the tickets to The Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL).
The fixtures between Caliphate side Sokoto United and El-Kanemi Warriors and that between Beyond Limits Academy and Ikorodu City will be played strictly behind closed .
NNL Chief Operating Officer, Dr.Ayo Abdulrahaman says the idea is to avoid clashes from the supports of both team who have the tendency to drive their emotions beyond uncontrollable measures in such critical matches.
Recall the NNL fined El-Kanemi Warriors One Million Naira(N1m) following the unruly behave of their Supporters in match day one with Nasarawa United.
Sporting Supreme is on 3 points having won one and lost one.El-Kanemi Warriors also have 3 points.Sokoto United is the only team with no points but could qualify if they beat El-Kanemi Warriors enough depending on the outcome of the tie between Sporting Supreme and Nasarawa United.
The last day fixtures will see sporting Supreme and Nasarawa United play at 10am at the the Cathedral while Sokoto United El-Kanemi Warriors at the UNEC Temporary Stadium.
The Southern Conference will see Ikorodu City battle Madiba FC at the Cathedral as Inter Lagos engage Beyond Limits of Ikenne-Remo Ogun State.
Beyond Limits top the group with four points after one win and one draw,Oshodi Boys Madiba have three points after shocking Inter Lagos 2-1 in match day two ,leaving Ikorodu City on two points and Inter Lagos on one point.
Dr.Ayo Abdulrahaman said the decision to play the games simultaneously is to give fair chance to all the teams to play to their strengths without any bias or advantage.
High riding attacker, Salau Yusuf, won the Man of The Match trophy at the second match of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 championship at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium (The Cathedral) in Enugu.
The Man of the Match award, which has ignited actions in the ongoing NNL promotion championship is sponsored by football manufacturing giants, Pro Stars which is in partnership with the NNL.
The action packed match which pitched Ikorodu City against Beyond limits ended in a 1-1 draw with the two teams showing class and growth of the standards of teams that qualified for the NNL Super 8 Beyond Limits took the lead early in the first half of the game, when lurking attacker, Kparubo Arierhi, volleyed the ball past Ikorodu City goalkeeper Oluwadamilare Aina.
The two teams maintained a good show and measure of size, as the game dragged on before Ikorodu City levelled with a cleaner by Yusuf Toyeed that was beyond the limits of Beyond Limit’s goal keeper, Emmanuel Olisa to return the teams at par before end of the first half.
Ikorodu City came out stronger during the second half as they continuously took the game to the half of their opponents until Beyond Limits succumbed to the pressure, when it’s defender, used his hand to punch a goal bound ball that was almost sailing into the net.
The resultant penalty was however saved by inform Beyond limits goal keeper, Emmanuel Olisa Speaking to journalists after receiving his award, Salau Yusuf expressed his appreciation to the NNL and Pro Sports for introducing the MOTN, which he said has motivated him so much since the commencement of the Super 8 championship He explained that he knows his opponents very well, having played against them both at home and away stages of the league, adding that he scored his only goal of the NNL against this opponents” I feel so great today, winning the MOTN trophy.
I know the team very well. My only one goal of the year’s NNL was against this same team.
Today’s draw and the award will motivate us the more to focus on our qualifications for the Premier League.
“Yes we lost the opportunity to win the game when we lost that penalty, but we are also happy we did not lose the match after they score us in the early minutes of the first half. I am still hopeful that we will do well in our remaining games to pick one of the qualifying tickets for Premier League,” assured the Oyo state born player.
Maiduguri based El-Kanemi Warriors Football Club has been fined one million naira by the Nigeria National League (NNL) for indecent conduct during their Day One fixture against Nasarawa United at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium,Enugu.
Head of El-Kanemi’s Supporters Club and his group encroached the pitch of play after a goal El-Kanemi scored through penalty was rightly cancelled by the referee.
They equally made attempts to assault the referees but for the quick intervention of security operatives.
NNL Disciplinary Committee headed by Hon. Yakubu Salma strongly condemned the development in its entirety and said it was a show of shame punishable under NNL rule book.Invoking the provisions of section 16.4 of the rules and regulation, El-Kanemi Warriors were fined the stipulated sum of one million naira (N1m).
Furthermore, the head of El-Kanemi Warriors Supporters Club was placed on a ban for the rest of the ongoing Super Eight as he is not to be seen anywhere near the stadium.
The NNL also, advised the management board of El-Kanemi Warriors to as a matter of urgency educate its supporters more on football rules and that guiding NNL.
Respected Referees Instructors, Ameenu Mohammed, Emmanuel Imiere and Waziri Furo have been assigned the role of overseeing the sixteen elite Referees and Assistant Referees appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) Referees Development and Appointment Committee for the Nigeria National League (NNL) Promotional Super eight, scheduled to be held in Enugu from June 7th through to the 14th, 2024.
Ameenu Mohammed is a Technical Instructor (football) with the NFF and Referees Assessor, while Emmanuel Imiere, a retired FIFA Referee is now a Fitness Instructor and Referees Assessor; whilst Waziri Furo, a former Assistant Referee, is a member of the Referees Development and Appointment Committee.
All three supremos, and sixteen match arbiters are expected to arrive in Enugu on or before June 7th, and are to bring their wealth of experience to bear while officiating in the 13 matches of the NNL Promotional Play offs, that will culminate in the emergence of the four sides to be elevated to the nation’s elitist division, the NPFL.
Out of the sixteen appointed, eight are Referees , and the other eight are Assistant Referees; and Sarah Godwin of the Bauchi Referees Council who is noted for her excellent interpretation of the rules is the only woman on the list.
The referees listed are:
Habibu Ghali – Kano
Simon Kure – Kaduna
Oscar Iwumandu – Imo
Areweremu Ebimene – Delta
Osakpamwan Alohan – Edo
Sunday Ocheme – FCT
Busayo Olayinka – Kwara
Mohammed Mohammed – Niger
The Assistant Referees are:
Muhammed Aminu Mammaga – Zamfara
Sarah Godwin – Bauchi
Mohammed Ibrahim G. – Zamfara
Suleiman Ibrahim – Kwara
Ridwan Lawal – Oyo
Onyemaobi Fidelis – Anambra
Stanley Chibuko – Enugu
Enwo Sebastien Egbo – Ebonyi.
The NNL Super eight playoffs will be streamed live and beamed on SLTV, with Africa’s largest Radio Network, Radio Nigeria also running live commentaries of the matches
Another breathtaking results have been recorded by the NNL Clubs in the Round of 16 after Sokoto United, Inter Lagos, EFCC, Kebbi United and El-Kanemi Warriors secured their qualification to the quarter-final of the ongoing President Federation Cup.
More remarkable was the shocking result by Sokoto United who turned back heavyweights Enyimba of Aba with a 1-0 scoreline.
In other outcome, El-Kanemi Warriors also stopped Shooting Stars of Ibadan with a similar result while Bendel Insurance slayers Wikki Tourists were eased out by fellow NNL club EFCC with a lone result.
It took a penalty shootout for Inter Lagos to be separated from Ikorodu City 4-5 after score ended 1-1 in regulation time.
This impressive show by these clubs attracted the attention of the NNL Chairman George Aluo who described their performances in the Round of 16 as solid.
“This is a solid performance from our clubs! This has shown the quality of the NNL this season and we are proud of this satisfying results. With this their show of quality, I am confident that our clubs can go all the way to the final and win this title” he said.
In the quarter-final parings, EFCC FC will tackle Kebbi United while Abia Warriors will face Sokoto United.
El-Kanemi Warriors will engage Inter Lagos and Sunshine Stars will face Kano Pillars.
As part of it’s plans to bring the forthcoming Nigeria National League ( NNL) Super 8 closer to football fans, the board of the second tier League has announced a partnership deal with an indigenous dedicated Satellite channel, Metrodigital (SLTV) to broadcast live all the matches.
In a letter of consent sent to the NNL Board and signed by Paul Osuji Ph.D, the organisation’s Head of Operations, stated that following series of meetings they held with NNL management they have consented to taking the games live via one of their dedicated channels…A N FOOTBALL. SLTV further stated that they would pick their signals from the streaming outfit that NNL has already struck a deal with Sports Light hub while commentaries will come courtesy of Radio Nigeria.
“Consequent upon our physical meetings with you and subsequent telephone conversations, Metrodigital (SLTV) consents to the NNL broadcast partnership for the Super 8 competition.
“With this acceptance, Metrodigital will broadcast the event live from your Facebook stream and Radio Nigeria commentaries as agreed,” said the statement.
The company also promised to do her best to promote sports especially football in the country.
Speaking on the partnership, an elated Chief Executive Officer of NNL, Emmanuel Attah commended the company for partnering the league body to develop the country’s football, describing the partnership as a welcome development which will go a long way in bringing the second tier league closer to the people.
“I must commend the company for partnering with us. You are aware that we are in digital age and the company accepting to take the matches live will enable fans to watch all the matches from the comfort of their homes, on their mobile networks, offices or business places.”
According to him, the deal is part of the plans of the present board of the most important league in the country to make sure that all Nigerians have a feel of the actions in the Super 8, noting that they will continue to do more to make the league better just as he posited that this is just the beginning of their relationship with the company.
Me.Attah appealed to Nigerians to go for the very affordable SLTV dish which is an indigenous outfit that is adding value to the country’s football.
The Super 8 which holds from June 7-14 in Enugu is organised annually at the end of the league to determine the overall champion of the second tier League as well as teams that will gain promotion to the elite league.
The eight teams that qualified for the championship are; Nasarawa United, Sporting Supreme of Abuja, Sokoto United and El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri. Others are Beyond Limits FC of Ikenne Remo, Madiba FC of Lagos , Inter Lagos and Ikorodu City FC.
