Author name: adm

Chairman, Board of Nigeria National League (NNL) ,Mr George Aluo has commended Nigeria Referees Association, particularly those officiating in the second-tier league for the job well done.

Aluo made this disclosure while featuring in the popular online show tagged ‘Super Interview’ on the Nigeria leading WhatsApp group in Nigeria Sports World Platform on Monday.

The Lagos-based Football administrator clarified that, the officiating in the ‘Most Important League’ has been top notch since the start of the NNL season going by the statistics on the number of away victories recorded in the first stanza of the league.

In his words, he said, “If you look at the statistics on the number of victories recorded in the first stanza of the league, the number of draws that were recorded, you will clearly see that the officiating has improved, is not same of the same” Aluo stated.

The Imo born veteran journalist cum administrator, also noted that the officiating in NNL has been very poor before he came on board but the ongoing campaign is far above better, noting that clubs can acknowledge that officiating has been top notch with clubs now winning on the road with statistics on ground to back it up.

” Before now officiating in NNL has been very poor, we must give kudos to the referees. I think clubs can acknowledge the officiating has been top notch, clubs are winning on the road and we have statistics to back this up” He noted.

Aluo further cited that, the first stanza of the league recorded 47 away victories, given by 37% of the matches played, affirmed that it has never happened in Nigeria League . This is unprecedented going by the record of victories home and away in the history of NNL.

“After the first stanza, we had about 47 away victories and that gave us about 37% of the matches played, it has never happened in the history of NNL. You can check the records across boards not just NNL even in NPFL, the number of victories home and away is unprecedented in the history of the league” Aluo enthusiastically submitted.

The NNL league body boss, opined that the officiating has greatly improved, giving kudos to the referees for their job well done.

He however concluded that, in few cases where poor officiating occurred, erring officials were recommended to the referees committee of the NFF disciplinary actions.”

“So in the area of officiating, we cannot say that same of the same, it has greatly improved and I must give kudos to the referees for the job well done. Though few cases where they have been poor officiating, we have taken prompt action and make recommendations to the referees committee of the NFF for such referees to be sanctioned. Officiating has really improved and kudos must go to the referees in this direction” Aluo concluded.

Credit: Michael Odetunde

Malumfashi Football Club of Katsina has been expelled from the Nigeria National League.This is part of their punishment for breaking sections of the codified rules and regulations guiding the league(NNL).Malumfashi FC refused to honour two consecutive matches of Conference D in the NNL: Sokoto United vs Malumfashi FC and Malumfashi FC vs City FC of Abuja .

Besides Malumfashi FC before now failed to honour the rescheduled 45 Minutes League match of Wednesday 14th February, 2024 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna against Sokoto United.

Chief Operating Officer of the League ,Dr.Ayo Abdulrahaman told NNL Media that the action of Malumfashi is a breach of Article 14.7 which also attracts a fine of N1,000.000.00 (One Million Naira only).This prompted the league to invoke Article 14.10 which implies the expulsion of Malumfashi from the league and all the matches played by the club are in the line with the rules cancelled.

Consequently, the Nigeria National League has mandated the Katsina Football Association to help in the recovery of all fines imposed on Malumfashi , especially as it concerns the items forcefully taken from referees in the match against Sokoto Utd in Malumfashi.

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Bauchi’s Wikki Tourists FC leading goal scorer Owolabi Arume has pledged for a better performance in the remaining games of the 2023/24 NNL season.

Owolabi drop the hint in a chat with #wikkitouristsfc media after the club’s shake up at the Kwara Stadium ahead of the NNL game with ABS of Ilorin on Saturday 9/3/2024.

He said he was excited to have scored six goals so far in the league adding that the target is to promote Wikki back to NPFL and possibly for him to grab the highest goal scorer award of the season.

Reacting on the game against ABS Owoalabi said.

“I know the match will not be easy but we have made a commitment to ourselves to ensure that we come out victorious by the grace of God because we know the task ahead of us.”

He solicited for support,prayers and understanding of supporters always.

Kick off time for the Match is 3pm @the Kwara Stadium,Ilorin.

Credit: WTFC Media.

The Nigeria National League returned last week with Matchday 12 fixtures. 19 matches were played across the four conferences with 45 goals scored. 3 away wins were recorded, with Abia Comets maintaining a 7 match unbeaten record, most likely the longest ever by any team in the league. Only one draw was recorded.In Week 13, teams are going to strive to consolidate their stands on the table.

Conference A

1472 vs Edel : 1472 is not finding the league environment very comfortable as they struggled for better part of the first stanza. They lost last week, to a fellow Lagosian club Smart City FC. but this week, they will try to make a statement against Edel who defeated Beyond Limit last week.

Stommers vs Smart City : The Abeokuta Stommers could not hold their own in Uyo last week, as they fell by two goals to nil to Dakkada FC. This weekend against Smart City, they would strive to squeeze some points out from the home team. *Coal City vs Dakkada:* Coal City lost to Rovers last weekend in Calabar, but this weekend, they will be all out to pick the maximum points at home against Dakkada.

Abia Comets vs Rovers:

The rave of the moment Abia Comets of Umuahia, last weekend carried their first stanza six matches unbeaten to Uyo , to extinguish their host Vandrezzer FC by two goals to one. This Week, Coach Kevin Ejeh and his boys will unleash their arsenal on Rover of calabar at the Umuahia Township stadium. The Umuahia boys may likely extend their unbeaten runs by one at the end of proceedings.

Madiba vs Vandrezzer: The Lions from Uyo are visiting a terrain that is not too friendly in winning at this period. Playing highly informed Madiba FC who Whitewashed Ekiti at home last week is a bad market for Vandrezzer.

Beyond Limit Vs Ekiti Utd :Ekiti United are taking a redemption trip to Remo stadium against Beyond Limit. The Bet9ja boys will do everything possible to pick the maximum points in this match.

Conference B

Gateway vs Warri Wolves : Gateway returned from Chukwuka Soludo state with a point in their kitty against Solution FC last week. This weekend, they will have their hands full against Warri Wolves, who will be eager to make a name in Abeokuta this weekend.

Inter Lagos vs Solutions: Losing to Osun United last week, International Lagos would not want to drop a point against Solution FC in Lagos this weekend. The Soludo boys may return home empty after proceeding.

FC Rocket One vs Osun United: FC Rocket One are in for a strong battle against Osun United at home. The Seye Ajayi tutored boys from Ataoja town are eager to return to their way again, and will give their host a run for their money.

Ikorodu City vs Ijebu Utd: High flying Ikorodu City, will surely take Ijebu United to the slaughter this weekend. However, they would have to be careful, as the United team can be a hard nut atimes. *Giants Brilla vs Crown:* Crown will be travelling to Enugu to confront their host with only a mission in mind, and that’s”anything can happen”. If they drop a point at home last weekend, same can also happen elsewhere. So, the Brilliant boys should expect a big fight from the Ajilete boys.

Conference C

EFCC vs El-kanemi: This is a very dicey match for the anti graft team. The Warriors are desperately in need of every point to enable them boost their quest to return to NPFL. But, the Abuja based team will not go down to any team easily. They would want to improve on their stand, and leave the red zone. In this match, Elkanemi will have to seek redemption elsewhere, as Coach Kabiru and his boys will take this.

Zamfara vs Yobe Stars: The home team will pick the points in this match. They will want this to improve their stand on the log.

ABS vs Wikki Tourists: This is another match that hold much at stake. A win for the boys from Yankari and a slip for Nasarawa in Abuja may totally change the permutation in the group. The Bukola boys have a lot to play for, as they can not surrender so easily, especially in front of their home fans.

NAF vs Nasarawa United: Nasarawa looks good to pick this in Abuja. However, a slip in the match may rubbish their promotion bid. But, taking the Airforce boys for granted will be a risky business for Nasarawa United.

Conference D

Malumfashi vs City FC: Malumfashi for reasons best known to them, decided to stay away from their match against Sokoto United last week. But, they will face City FC in Kaduna their newly adopted home. City FC still basketing on the euphoria of their home win against Jigawa may take the spirit to Kaduna to pick an away win.

Sporting Supreme vs Sokoto Utd: This match holds much at stake. The leadership of the group will surely be determined after the match at the Bwari Mini Stadium. Sokoto United are group league leader with 18 points, while Sporting Supreme is a point below. Wherever the pendulum will switch, will totally adjust the top standing in the group.

Mailantariki vs Adamawa United:The electricity boys from Abuja will want to redeem themselves this weekend, against Adamawa United. It will be a fight of wits at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

Jigawa Golden stars vs Kebbi Utd: Jigawa Golden stars did not have it cool last week in Abuja, as they conceded three first half goals against City FC. Kebbi United on its path, walloped Mailantariki by four goals to one. Jigawa will strive to go all out to pick this one.

.NNL Media

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The leadership of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has advised the four NNL Players that made the final list of coach Ladan Bosso team to the 13th African Games holding in Ghana, to put in their best to excel in the tournament.

According to the Chairman of the League Board, George Aluo, this has shown that the League has high quality players that can fit into any of the national teams in the country.

Aluo further expressed confidence in Coach Ladan Bosso insisting that he would lead the country to a medal finish.

The four players that made the final list are Andy Clinton Ezekiel of Rovers FC of Calabar, Ime Godwin Sampson of Dakkada FC, Oladunjoye Shola Yinka of Madiba FC and Sunday Joseph of Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.

At the beginning of the camping exercise, Rabiu Abdullahi and Nathaniel Arierhi both of Beyond Limit FC of Ikenne were among the invited players.

Aluo implored the players to exhibit their talents in the games to open more opportunities for them in world football.

He expressed optimism on the abilities of the players to excel, while advising other national team coaches to emulate Bosso and beam their searchlight on the most important league in the country.

Chairman of Nigeria National League ( NNL), George Aluo has expressed satisfaction with the performance of teams and match officials at the second stanza of the league which kicked off last Friday; saying that the results posted so far is an indication that the league is progressing.

The second stanza of the league kicked off in Adamawa and Kebbi respectively on Friday followed by other conferences on Saturday and Aluo believes the fair officiating witnessed so far which resulted in teams getting results on the road is an indication that the league board under his watch is getting it right.

“I want to say that I’m happy with what is happening in the NNL since the second stanza commenced on Friday. Report reaching me indicates that the referees are doing a good job and the fact that Sporting Supreme recorded an away win in Adamawa and the draw in Awka by Gateway show that it’s no longer business as usual and we’ll continue improving the league,” he said.

Aluo charged the referees to always be on top of their game warning that the board will not hesitate to sanction any match official that is found wanting just as he appealed to fans not to do anything that will bring the game to disrepute.“I want to advise the referees to be on the same page with the NNL board and handle the whistle without fear or favour so that the successes we’ve recorded since the first stanza will be sustained.

It’s equally important I advise the fans to exercise patience with the league board and avoid any act capable of bringing the game to disrepute.”Aluo also commended the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for his support to his board since they assumed office, promising him that they will achieve the mandate given to them to make the second tier league the best of its kind in Africa.

In Match Day 12 of the Nigeria National League Southern Conference Group A, Ekiti United FC faced off against Madiba FC at the Akure Township Stadium in Ondo State. The first half saw both teams striving for goals, but neither managed to break the deadlock, leaving the score level at halftime.

As the second half commenced, tension mounted among supporters and players alike, with neither side able to assert dominance. However, at the 72nd minute mark, Egbonwon Harrison of Madiba FC found the back of the net, opening the floodgates for his team.

The intensity of goal-scoring surged further when Dada Oladimeji netted Madiba FC’s second goal at the 85th minute, bringing his personal tally to 8 goals for the season. Throughout the match, Tijani Mohammed, the goalkeeper for Madiba FC, showcased a stellar performance, making crucial saves and thwarting three potential goals from Ekiti United FC.

With this victory, Madiba FC secured 6 points from their encounters with Ekiti United FC, triumphing both home and away. This result propelled Madiba FC to 28 points on the league table, solidifying their position among the top contenders.

Looking ahead, Solomon Bala, the head coach of Madiba FC, will lead his team back to Lagos to prepare for their upcoming home match against Vandrezzer FC scheduled for Friday, 8th March 2024.

Chairman of Nigeria National League ( NNL) , Mr. George Aluo has expressed satisfaction with the performance of teams and match officials at the second stanza of the league which kicked off last Friday; saying that the results posted so far is an indication that the league is progressing.

The second stanza of the league kicked off in Adamawa and Kebbi respectively on Friday followed by other conferences on Saturday and Aluo believes the fair officiating witnessed so far which resulted in teams getting results on the road is an indication that the league board under his watch is getting it right.

“I want to say that I’m happy with what is happening in the NNL since the second stanza commenced on Friday. Report reaching me indicates that the referees are doing a good job and the fact that Sporting Supreme recorded an away win in Adamawa and the draw in Awka by Gateway show that it’s no longer business as usual and we’ll continue improving the league,” he said.

Aluo charged the referees to always be on top of their game warning that the board will not hesitate to sanction any match official that is found wanting just as he appealed to fans not to do anything that will bring the game to disrepute.

“I want to advise the referees to be on the same page with the NNL board and handle the whistle without fear or favour so that the successes we’ve recorded since the first stanza will be sustained. It’s equally important I advise the fans to exercise patience with the league board and avoid any act capable of bringing the game to disrepute.”

Aluo also commended the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for his support to his board since they assumed office, promising him that they will achieve the mandate given to them to make the second tier league the best of its kind in Africa.

Nigeria National League (NNL) Club Side, Inter Lagos Co-Founder Lanre Vigo has stated plans on achieving the Club’s ten years development plans.

Vigo, a registered Football Intermediary in Osogbo, noted that the Club commitments to greatness is just a matter of time. “As a club, our dream is to be number one in Africa,

“It’s a big task, but one we are going to be implementing within a period of ten years.

Tune in to sports business with @LanreVigo, InterLagos Co Founder & Club Director live on @LagosTalks913

Time: 10.30am Prompt
Date: 27/02/2024#interlagos #entertainment #sports #footballer pic.twitter.com/3Q1hXG9PUS

— InterLagos FC (@InterLagosFC) February 26, 2024

“Inter Lagos is more than a club, it is a source of pride for Lagosians, who are real lovers of the runs leather games.

“Part of our plans is to have our own stadium and have a strong identity, one that we have been building on.

Gratitude in every stride! A massive shoutout to everyone who made our PR launch a grand success.

Your support and presence mean the world to us! 🚀⚽

Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Full highlights on Youtube: https://t.co/XPYTqzpY9H pic.twitter.com/Z7bjwvzMbw

— InterLagos FC (@InterLagosFC) February 2, 2024

“Thankfully we have some investors, who believe and share in our dreams to reach where we want to. This is our first season in the league, and we hope to remain consistent, achieving more goals as a club.

Inter Lagos have won their last five matches out of six in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and are currently fourth in the Conference B table of the 2023/24 league with 17 points after ten matches.

Established in 2023, the club, fondly called ‘The Pride of Lagos’, plays its NNL home games at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos,

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Osun Utd put an end to unbeaten run of the guest, with a narrow 1-0 victory over Inter Lagos FC in one of the Match Day 12 encounter of the Nigeria National League, decided at Osogbo Township Stadium.

Ahmed Ahmed’s delivery in the 69th minute proved the difference on the afternoon as expectant stand was sent into frenzy in Osogbo. The result moves Omoluabi Giants into second on the log for now on 18 points.

Ten minutes after kickoff, Qaseem Raheem should have sent the host upfront following a low drive from acute angle off a through pass from Essien but Favour Bala who’s in goal for the opponent made an audacious save consecutively as Ephraim Nwachukwu could have scored in a similar fashion two minutes later.

Twenty four minutes after restart, big moment finally arrived as the two returnee, Ebenezer Odeyemi and Ahmed Ahmed combined so well from a long loop, following a resultant setpiece from Ephraim Nwachukwu and Ahmed Ahmed smashed home the opener from close range as the gallery exploded in jubilation.

Two minutes from time, Dayo Agbolade could have increased the tally having controlled a low drive from Odeyemi but his attempt creeps inches wide. Inter Lagos threw everything forward to restore the parity but Afolabi Olatubosun and Abubakar Goringo were handy at the back.

“We had a commanding display this evening and we were rewarded with a goal at the right time. We were going forward with much awareness but few errors and good goalkeeping on the part of our opponents made the scoreline unchanged for so long.

“I give it to my boys for showing character and much needed resilience. We will build on this result going forward.” Coach Seye Ajayi stated in a post match briefing.

Up next for Osun Utd is an away trip to Akwa Ibom to book a date with FC One Rocket of Uyo next weekend.