News Post

Zamfara United Head Coach, Alhassan Mohammed is confident his team will bounce back after their opening day defeat by Nasarawa United in Lafia.

A 9th minute goal from Aminu Abubakar earned the Solid Miners the needed three points of the game and the experienced Gaffer us quick to put the loss behind him.

“We were actually here to win, but sadly, we lost. It was a great game and we showed what we can do on the pitch.

“We just want to put the defeat behind us and focus on our next game at home.

“I think there is an improvement in the NNL and I wish this could continue, going forward”. He said.

Nasarawa United Midfielder Chidera Nduka says winning the Nigeria National League Opener Player of the match Award will Spur him to do more in the new season.

The Defensive Midfielder was instrumental to his side’s opening day victory against Zamfara United at the Lafia City Stadium, Lafia. .

The Solid Miners had alot of goalscoring, but failed to convert the numerous chances, however were satisfied with a 1-0 victory against their northern counterpart in the Conference C of the 2024 Nigeria National League (NNL).

“I am so excited about winning the Man of the match Award, importantly, I helped the team win against a very solid team. I want to hail the organisers of the NNL for the wonderful organisation and am sure we are going to have a good season this year.

“The Award will motivate me to do for the team and for me, it’s a big task that would keep pushing me to achieve more. .

“Indeed we are aiming to promote this year. I mean immediately back to the Premiership, where we truly belong.” He concluded.

Nasarawa State Governor Engineer Abdullah Sule has tasked the Management of Nasarawa United to keep working hard towards promotion to the apex league, the NPFL.

The charismatic Governor said this, after he watched the ‘Solid Miners’ defeat visitors Zamfara United in the opening match of the 2024 Nigeria National League at the newly refurbished Lafia City Stadium.

“We are happy to host the first game of the NNL. It means a lot to us that they are bringing the game all the way and from the way you see our boys playing, I think we have a very good team.

“Our target is to gain promotion back to the elite league, after last season’s disappointment.

“It’s not going to be an easy task, but we will work so hard to achieve that.” He said.

…As Nasarawa Gov, Deputy other top govt officials witness league opener

By Ifeanyi Eduzor

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi has described the Nigerian National League ( NNL) as the league to watch noting that it’s standard is comparable to the Premier League both in quality of play and organisation.

He stated this Saturday during the 2023/2024 league opener of the second tier league which took place at the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa State.

According to him, the NNL boasts of talented players who can hold their own anywhere and the quality of football artistry displayed by the players is an indication that the league cannot be ignored even as he commended the George Aluo led board for their vision in turning the fortune of the most important league in the country around in a very short time of coming on board.

“I’m highly impressed with what I saw here today in the league opener between Nasarawa United and Zamfara United. Both teams have quality players and their style of play is commendable.

” It’s an indication that the league has come of age and the quality is comparable to the Premier League and I urge the present board of the NNL to maintain the momentum”, he stressed.

Meanwhile, it was a very colourful opener watched by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abudullahi Sule, his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, former Governor of the state Umaru Tanko Al- Makura and other top government officials.

Both teams not only entertained the thousands of football fans that trooped out to the stadium to watch the match but gave a good account of themselves showing what to expect as the league finally progresses.

Nasarawa managed to run away with a deserved 1-0 victory.

Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe says that the state is ready to host a successful kick- off of the 2023/ 2024 Nigeria National League ( NNL) slated for Saturday, November 11 at the newly renovated Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa State.

The opening game to kickstart the league will be between Nasarawa United and Zamfara United.Speaking after inspecting the stadium accompanied by the Chairman of the second tier league Mr. George Aluo, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Sports Ministry, Barrister Isaac Danladi and the State Commissioner of Sports, Ango Jafaru, he noted that he’s satisfied with the standard of the pitch expressing hope that the opening game will be highly interesting.

” Nasarawa State is ready to host the opening game and am happy with the facilities at the stadium.”It’s also a thing of joy that the stadium got the approval of NNL board to host the opening game which goes to show that the pitch is of international standard”, he stressed.

Also speaking, Chairman of NNL Board, George Aluo commended Nasarawa State Government for improved facilities at the Lafia City Stadium noting that his board is ready to kick start the league.

“I’m happy with what I saw at the stadium and I want to announce that we’re on track to kick off the league. All arrangement has been put in place and the NNL board is committed to having a quality championship which every Nigerian will be proud of.”

Aluo while wishing all clubs a successful season advised them to not only adhere to fair play rules but also play according to the stipulated NNL rules and regulations.

“The present board of the NNL is out to organise the best league in recent times and that was why we organised a seminar for all club coaches taking part in the league. Clubs should realize that we have zero tolerance for violence and any behavior that will bring the game to disrepute will not be tolerated. Our matches will be closely monitored as we will be sending compliant officers across all venues. We expect the best and a grand opening game as we’re working hard to raise the standard,” he noted.