The season ending Super Eight (8) of the Nigeria National League (NNL), will be staged at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Enugu State, Southeastern Nigeria.
The State government under the watch of HIS Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi “Gburugburu” endorsed the hosting of the play offs at the multi-purpose 22 ,000.00 capacity Stadium, named after the first President of the Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe .
Eight teams in the NNL will be chasing the four available tickets to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in a five day tango starting from Tuesday 7 through to Saturday 11 September, 2021 at the Stadium nicknamed the “The Cathedral”.
Gombe United FC, El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri, Niger Tornadoes FC, DMD FC of Borno, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Ekiti United and two teams from group B2 in the Southern conference, are expected to arrive the coal city on Sunday 5th September, 2021.
The draw for the play off will be conducted on Monday 6th September, 2021 with the opening ceremony and first game holding the next day.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the NNL, Distinguished Senator Obinna Ogba has praised the Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the entire Enugu State government, for yielding to host the Play off.
Senator Obinna Ogba, who is as well the Chairman Senate House Committee on Sports, said the action exhibited by Governor Ugwuanyi truly shows his passion for sports and interest in developing and empowering Nigerian youths through the power of football.
“I cannot thank “Gburugburu enough, he has displayed what a great patriot he is by investing in the Nigeria project, he has sowed a huge seed in the NNL, one we will not forget in a hurry. We are eternally grateful to him and the people of Enugu State for this symbolic gesture, that is the way to go, instilling hope and confidence that we can get things done”
“This a huge support for our growing NNL, the most important domestic football League in Nigeria, it has been a very challenging season my first year in office and I know we can only get better, Ogba concluded.
This will be the second time Enugu will be playing host to NNL, the first was under late NNL Chairman Hon. Chidi Ofo-Okenwa.
The Nigeria National League (NNL) returns this weekend with nineteen round of matches, across the Federation..
Bauchi will be buzzing with excitement, when Wikki Tourist face Northern Warlord Elkanemi Warriors at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, while Ekiti United will look to put on another show, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, when they take on the Stormers from Ogun State.
Matchday Two (2) recorded thirty-three (33) goals, three (3) away wins, twelve (12) home wins and two (2) draws.
Here is the Preview for Matchday Three of the NNL.
CONFERENCE A
MADIBA Vs ABIA COMETS
Madiba FC will be playing at home for the first time this season and will have something to prove. The ‘Oshodi’ boys put in their best in their last two matches, a draw against Beyond Limits on Matchday one and an important away win at the Akwa Township Stadium, against Edel FC.
Abia Comets came back stronger last week, after their Matchday one 3-0 loss to Ekiti United. The Unuahia based side beat Beyond Limits 2-0 at home. This game will come up on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Both teams have just a point, after two games each. Edel drew 1-1 against Smart City on Matchday one and lost at home to Madiba last week. Dakkada FC too seem not to have started well this season, with a draw to 1472 on day one and a loss last week to Smart City FC. Both teams will be hoping to get their first full points of the season.
BEYOND LIMITS VS COAL CITY .
Beyond Limits did their best against Abia Comets, but still fell 2-0, while Coal City managed to get a 2-1 victory over Ekiti United at the UNEC Stadium last week. Both sides will feel positive about this encounter.
ROVERS VS SMART CITY
Smart City managed a 1-0 win over Dakkada FC last weekend, while Rovers couldn’t take up 1472 FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Smart City will be traveling to Calabar, hoping they can add to the four points already garnered , while Rovers will be pushing for their second win this season.
VANDREZZER VS 1472
Newcomers 1472 FC, already have four points this season and will be facing Vandrezzer FC at the Uyo Township Stadium. Vandrezzer lost 2-0 to the Stormers last week, but will do everything possible to get another maximum points, when they meet the ‘Tingo’ boys this weekend.
EKITI UNITED VS STORMERS
Ekiti United have a chance to recover from their 2-1 defeat to Coal City in Enugu, when they face Stormers at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti. Stormers will look to get another win after their comfortable home win against Vandrezzer last week.
CONFERENCE B
OSUN UNITED VS WARRI WOLVES
Osun United will be flying high after they recorded a ‘rare’ away win last week. The win will boost their confidence coming into this fixture, same with their opponent on Saturday, Warri Wolves also won Solution FC in Kwale. Both teams will be focused. What a game it’s going to be..
🏟️We will be playing at home infront of our fans this season as we aim for maximum points. Victory we seek🙏 It's Match Day 3#Believe🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/j972yrNlSF
Trade Safe FC have recorded no point in their last two matches, and will be facing a very resolute Ijebu United, who are really strong at home. Ijebu United Cameroonian Coach, Anthony Encho will be demanding the same level of performance they gave on Matchday one against Inter FC of Lagos. On the other hand, Trade safe FC will be searching for their first point of the season.
— IJEBU UNITED FC – #IUfcCaresStaySafe (@ijebuunitedfc) November 22, 2023
CROWN FC VS GATEWAY UNITED
Gateway United FC have just been reinstated back into the league after some registration hitch and will begin the new campaign against a Crown FC, who recorded an away victory against Inter FC of Lagos last week. It promises to be a cracker..
— IJEBU UNITED FC – #IUfcCaresStaySafe (@ijebuunitedfc) November 22, 2023
GIANT BRILLARS VS INTER LAGOS
Inter Lagos have had a difficult start to the season, losing two games in a row. They will need to do something extraordinary to get something positive in Enugu against Giant Brillars.
Away days with InterLagos. Geared to face Giant brillars this weekend!
Focus and teamwork can go a long way and Coach Ndubusi Ndah will encourage his players to play without fear, when they face Ikorodu City FC. The ‘Oga’ boys will be playing their first home game this season and will need to deliver Infront of their home fans, with bravery and determination.
The first Federal Capital Territory (FCT) derby of the season. NAF FC welcomes EFCC to the Area 10 Sports Complex, same homeground of the ‘Anticraft’ boys.
NAF won their first game against ABS of Ilorin, while EFCC picked just a point against Nasarawa United at home last week.
NASARAWA UNITED VS MIGHTY JETS
Mighty Jets will need to come out stronger when they face Nasarawa United at the Zaria Road Stadium. The Jets have gotten only a point from two games, while Nasarawa United can boast of four points.
ABS VS ZAMFARA UNITED
Zamfara United started the NNL Campaign with a loss to Nasarawa United, but were stronger against NAF FC on Matchday two, winning 2-1. They will face an ABS side at home, who lost to NAF FC on Matchday one. Alot is expected from both teams.
WIKKI TOURIST VS ELKANEMI WARRIORS
Wikki Tourist recorded the biggest win of Matchday one and still travelled to Kaduna to pick a point against Mighty Jets. Elkanemi Warriors defeated Yobe Desert Warriors last week and would be aiming to get another maximum points in Bauchi. It promises to be a very tough encounter..
CONFERENCE D
ADAMAWA UNITED VS CITY FC
Adamawa United will have alot to work for, after losing 2-0 to Sokoto United last week and will be hoping they can get their first point of the season. City FC are a very strong side and would be aiming at getting something from this game..
KEBBI UNITED VS SOKOTO UNITED
Kebbi United lost at home to Sporting Supreme on matchday one and will lock horns with Sokoto United, who already has six points from two home games this season. It’s going to be an interesting one.
MAILANTARKI CARE VS SPORTING SUPREME
Sporting Supreme also have an 100% record in two matches. An away win against Kebbi United and a 3-1 home win against Jigawa Golden Stars. Mailantarki Care FC have no point yet after two games and this is a golden opportunity for them to recover from two losses.
JIGAWA GOLDEN STARS VS MALUMFASHI FC
Malumfashi FC just like Gateway United missed day one and two games after struggling with Registration. Jigawa Golden Stars will go into the game with some level of confidence, despite losing their last game in Abuja. They have three points while Malumfashi will be aiming at getting something from the game.
Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria National League (NNL) George Aluo has expressed satisfaction with the results so far recorded in the second tier league, the NNL, saying it is very encouraging and would be sustained.
It would be recalled that the league since it’s commencement few weeks ago has recorded some away wins with Madiba FC beating Edel in Nnewi while Crown FC of Ogbomosho defeated Inter in Lagos.
Also Nasarawa Utd secured a draw in Abuja against EFCC same as Wikki Tourist against Mighty Jets in Jos and the NNL boss believes it’s a sign of good officiating.
According to the Chairman of the most important league in the country, George Aluo, the board is going to continue encouraging Referees to be more firm in their decisions as that’s the only way the league can grow and attract more sponsorship and interest from fans.
“We at the NNL are excited with what is happening in the league. Right now, you have teams winning on the road with some playing draws which is an indication that the league is improving”
”We’re also happy with the Referees who have been doing well so far and I want them to continue that way because with good officials we’ll get there “, he concluded
The Ajilete Warriors recorded the first away win in the 2023/2024 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.Ogbomosho based Crown Football Club on Saturday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Water front,Lagos picked all points in their Southern Conference B match week two against Inter Lagos Football Club.Coach Tajudeen Raheem led technical crew came from behind to beat the home side 1-2 in a game full actions.Inter Lagos scored first in the 26th minute through Favour Aroyameh, it took 85th minute for the Ajilete Warriors to hit back at Inter Lagos, courtesy of Folarin Temitope effort.Victory made sure for Crown FC as the Ajilete Warriors on strike at 90th minute as Adekunle Mojeed on target.It is now two victories for Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso, having defeated FC One Rocket 2-1 in their opening game at Soun Stadium, Ogbomoso.Crown FC now joins Sporting Supreme Football Clubs as the only two teams to have away wins in the new season.Sporting Supreme snatched a vital 1-2 win over Kebbi United in match week one at the Ginginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, the new home of Kebbi United.The Ajilete Warriors also made history as the first team to have their safest pair of gloves, goalkeeper Joseph Onwuga as the goal tender to win player of the match this season in NNL.Crown FC at the moment have six points to shoot top of the 2023/2024 NNL Southern Conference B log .Photos:Coach Tajudeen Raheem and Player of the match goalkeeper Joseph Onwuga.Other away wins recorded in day two are:Tradesafe FC 0-1 Osun United also in Conference B. In Conference A ,Edel FC 0-1 Madiba FC,Lagos.Madiba FC goal keeper,Adeniyi Olukunmi is the second goal tender to be voted MOTM winner.
Following a fun opening weekend of the new Nigeria National League (NNL) season, Matchday two is just around the corner and definitely, there are some very intriguing fixtures on schedule.
Week One Recap:
The first week saw most of the teams, winning at home, with twelve (12) home wins, four (4) draws and just one (1) away win.
Aside all these, the fans really enjoyed themselves with some great goals scored on Matchday one. In total, thirty-seven (37) goals were scored across all centres, with Wikki Tourist, scoring the highest number of goals (5), followed by Ekiti United (3).
Week Two (2) Preview|
CONFERENCE A.
ABIA COMETS Vs BEYOND LIMITS.
Both Abia Comets and Beyond Limits failed to win their Matchday one game and will be looking to get maximum points. Abia Comets got it full against Ekiti United at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, while Beyond Limits, failed to pick maximum points against Madiba FC at the Remo Stadium. It promises to be a very tough game.
COAL CITY Vs EKITI UNITED.
Ekiti United will be traveling to Enugu with their heads so high, after a remarkable Matchday one performance against Abia Comets. Coal City on the other hand, gave Vandrezzer a tough time in their Matchday one fixture and would be ready to double their actions against a very good side in Ekiti United. What a game its promises to be.
STORMERS Vs VANDREZZER
Vandrezzer could only win Coal City by a lone goal, in their new home, Uyo Township Stadium. Their new gaffer Ike ThankGod will have a lot to prove, when they face a Stormer’s team, searching for their first win of the season, after Matchday one loss in the hands of Rovers.
Vandrezzer FC Head Coach, Ike ThankGod.
EDEL Vs MADIBA
Definitely, another interesting game to watch out for. Edel FC traveled down to Lagos and picked a point, against a very youthful Smart City side, same as Madiba who went to Remo to pick a valuable point against Beyond Limits.
Madiba FC of Lagos Star, Dada Oladimeji with the ball.
Madiba are good on the road and Edel FC will be hoping to get a win at the Awka Township Stadium.
1472 VS ROVERS
1472 FC are new, but traveled to Uyo to play out a 2-2 draw with Dakkada FC. A pleasing result for a team, which is barely two months old. Rovers will be hoping to add more points to the three they got against Stormers last week. The Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, will settle the scores.
1472 FC new Brazilian signings Wellington and Saulo.
SMART CITY VS DAKKADA
A great game and one that can’t be predicted. It’s the second home game for Smart City FC, having drawn against Edel FC on Matchday one. Dakkada have alot to prove same as Smart City.
FC One Rocket will be hoping to make their Eket fans happy with a win against a very good side, Giant Brillars. Giant Brillars won Ikorodu City FC by a lone goal, last week and will be aiming at adding to the woes of FC One Rocket, who lost 2-1 in Ogbomosho last week. Ndubisi Ndah is surely confident his team can get their first full point of the season.
Osun United will be playing their first game of the season against TradeSafe FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, a game, TradeSafe Sports FC players have promised the President of the team Ahmed Jamiu an outright win. Osun United however will be counting on some of their experienced players to pick one or three points from the MBJ Arena.
Solution FC will be aiming to get their second win, when they meet Warri Wolves FC on Matchday two of the NNL season. Warri Wolves unlike Solution FC, will be playing their first game of the season and a win will start off their promotion campaign target.
INTER FC Vs CROWN FC
International FC, Lagos will be at home in Lagos, this weekend, against Crown FC, who won their first game of the season, against FC One Rocket in Ogbomosho. Inter FC, who lost to neighbours Ijebu United last week, will be aiming to get their first win. We are about to see a great game in Lagos.
Excited to announce that @Latsthedj will be on the decks for our FIRST HOME GAME this weekend! 🎧
Brace yourselves for a game day experience like never before 🙌
EFCC FC will be welcoming Nasarawa United to the Area 10 Sports Complex this weekend and all they will be aiming at, is the maximum three points, after they were mauled on Matchday one by Wikki Tourist. Nasarawa United opened the new league season, with a 1-0 win over Zamfara United at the Lafia City Stadium, and would want a continuation of that this weekend.
MIGHTY JETS Vs WIKKI TOURIST
On Matchday one, Mighty Jets played a 2-2 draw with Yobe Desert Warriors at the Gashua Township Stadium, Damaturu and will be facing Wikki Tourist this weekend at home. The Zaria Road fans will surely be watching an intriguing encounter.
ELKANEMI WARRIORS Vs YOBE DESERT STARS
An interesting game to catch up with, both sides will be aiming for their first win of the season. Elkanemi Warriors will be hoping to get the needed points against their neighbour Yobe Desert Warriors.
CONFERENCE D‘
SPORTING SUPREME FC Vs JIGAWA GOLDEN STARS
Sporting Supreme FC traveled to the Ginginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto to record the only away win of Matchday one. The Abuja based side will face Jigawa Golden Stars, who also beat Mailantarki FC by 1-0 on Matchday one.
CITY FC VS MAILANTARKI CARE FC
City FC of Abuja will be at home against Mailantarki Care FC, who lost on Matchday one to Jigawa Golden Stars. City FC also failed to win on Matchday one and have set a target to pick maximum point at the Area 10 Sports Complex this weekend.
SOKOTO UNITED VS ADAMAWA UNITED
The Ginginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto will host the game between Sokoto United and Adamawa United. Sokoto United playing their second home game of the season, will only have one target, to get another three points.
Gateway United and Malumfashi have regained their statutory positions with the Nigeria National League (NNL).
This is the outcome of appeals submitted by both clubs after they were expelled for violating provisions of the NNL rules and regulations on registration and club licencing.
The Chief Operating Officer of the league, Dr.Ayo Abdulrahaman said the Disciplinary Committee after considering their appeals decided to re-admit the two clubs for national and economic interests. However, they are to fully return to the NNL family upon fulfillment of the payment of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira) for obstructing the league and N250,000.00 (Two hundred and fifty thousand Naira) as inconveniences to their opponents in Matchday one(1).
They are also to meet other club licensing requirements to be legible for participation in the league which include and not limited to outstanding financial deficit.
The conditions are to be met on or before Tuesday 28 November, 2023.
Dr. Abdulrahaman further hinted that the readmission of both Gateway United and Malumfashi will be effective from Match Day three(3) of the on going 2023/2024 season.
The Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL),George Aluo is excited about the qualities of Sporting Supreme prodigy Ebrima Manneh who scored the winning goal for the Abuja based club in their match day one fixture against Kebbi United at Ginginya Memorial Stadium,Sokoto.
Manneh did not only score the winning goal,he established himself as one of the youngest and brightest players to feature in NNL.
According the NNL Supremo” Manneh is for sure a player of the future ,he has shown a great quality ,his age is the big deal for us ,at 15 more of his class is needed to be the range of players for the league.
” Naturally and even in the academies players of his age grade are needed to grow as replacement and focus for their teams.We are happy that his club could recruit him and we want to urge teams to mix experience and youthful in building their teams.Congratulations to Manneh,and Supreme for setting the records in this season of NNL,we wish them the very best,Aluo ended.
Similarly, Head coach of Nigeria’s Under fifteen (15) boys football team otherwise known as the “Future Eagles” Haruna Ilerika has heaped praises on Ebrima Manneh for his exploits so far in the NNL,Ilerika described the younster as a “Fantastic player ,he has plenty skills and would go places”
” I spotted him in Hypebuzz(HB) Academy during a youth development soccer programme in Abuja and since then I have been following him,it was his skills that made me take him to the 2023 Japan U-16 Dream Cup earlier this year , because I needed him to be more exposed” Manneh has great potials and has what it takes to be a great player in the future if he is not distracted”
Manneh is fifteen years old now and will turn sixteen in April,2024. His father is from Adamawa North-East Nigeria while his mother is from West African country of The Gambia.
The attacking midfielder is expected to be lined up by his coach Daniel Itodo when Sporting Supreme hosts visiting Jigawa Golden Stars at the Bwari Township Stadium,Abuja in match day two (2).
Manneh stands 1.74Cm and still has the tendency to increase in height,and he weighs 65 kilogram.
Smart City FC of Lagos were on Monday held to a 1-1 draw at home by Edel FC of Anambra at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Matchday One of the Nigeria National League (NNL) tie.
The home team handled by former Flying Eagles forward Festus Odini took the game straight to the doorsteps of their rivals with some smart play before their cheering fans.But Edel FC held their line, repelling their probing hosts while also seeking for their own opportunity to cause some havoc in their opponents’ area.
It was however, in the 20th minute that the deadlock was broken.Striker Chinonso Uzoma bearing the No. 27 jersey, found a space between their line with a swift turn as he peeled away from his marker, to put the Lagosians in the lead.
Uzoma ran straight to the popular side to acknowledge the cheering fans who were elated with his execution of the goal.
In the 36th minute, a corner-kick taken by Smart City saw Edel FC goalkeeper losing the ball mid-air as he tried to catch it.But the referee stopped play moment before a Smart City attacking player kicked the ball into the open net. The first half would end 1-0 in favour of the home team.
On resumption, both teams tried to improve their lots but the first half would end 1-0 in favour of the home team.
Some notable personalities at venue for the NNL Conference A encounter were; NNL Chairman George Aluo, former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana, Smart City CEO Adeyinka Adeboye and CEO MVP Sports Management Agency Limited Academy Alhaji Datti Umar Yusuf.
At the restart, Smart City tried to build on their slim lead by making some foray into their visitors’ vital area but it was Edel FC who pulled a rabbit out of their hat in the 55th minute.
Ayan Arinze silenced the partisan home fans as he pulled the Nnewi based club on level during a scramble.
This sparked some frenzy among their travelling fans and the goal gave coach Anthony Idowu some reassurance.
Faced with the reality on ground, his opposite number Ogini pushed his team for the winning goal but the resilience and delay tactics of their visitors ensured the match would end 1-1 as the referee signal the end to to entertaining affair.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana has noted that he is impressed with the standard of the NNL match day One involving Smart City and Edel FC at the Onikan Stadium on Monday.
NNL Chairman, George Aluo alongside Former Super Eagles Midfielder Seyi Olofinjana.
Olofinjana who spoke with www.nnl.com.ng after watching the two sides play out a 1-1 draw, said there has been a massive improvement in the NNL even as he commended the George Aluo led NNL board for taking steps to make the league more attractive.
“I am impressed with what I saw today. Good officiating, fine football artistry by very young players paraded by the two teams.
“The organisers of the league are doing a good job and more of this will definitely bring desired results” Olofinjana stated.
The Smart City, Edel FC tie was one in which the two teams gave the fans a lot to cheer. Smart City dominated the first half and drew the first blood in the 20th minute courtesy of Chinonso Uzoma’s strike.
Edel returned in the second half determined not to leave for Nnewi empty handed. They got rewarded in the 55th minute when Arinze Anya got the equaliser.
In another Week one rescheduled fixture of the NNL, Aminu Mohammed lone strike in the 70th minute, was good enough to give NAF FC a win over visiting ABS FC of Ilorin.
