BY IKENNA NWOKEDI

The Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) has lauded the leadership of the Nigeria National League (NNL) under Chief George Aluo for the successful completion of the 2024/25 season.

Speaking at a media parley with sports journalists in Lagos over the weekend, NALCOMA President Godwin Enakhena praised the NNL board for its efforts in enhancing the quality and integrity of the league.

Enakhena described the just-concluded season as a major success, highlighting the competitive performance of teams across the four groups and the commendable conduct of fans at various match venues. He also noted significant improvements in officiating standards compared to previous seasons, attributing the progress to the NNL leadership’s commitment to raising the league’s profile.

“The standard of officiating improved remarkably this season. It reflects the dedication of the NNL leadership to ensure the league matches the standards of the top-flight NPFL,” said Enakhena, who also serves as Chairman of Sporting Lagos FC.

He further commended the NNL for securing the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, as the host venue for the upcoming Super 8 playoffs, scheduled from July 5 to 12, 2025. He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his continued support for football development.

Enakhena urged the eight qualifying teams to approach the playoffs with determination, noting that only the best should represent the NNL in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season.

The teams set to battle for promotion in the Super 8 are Warri Wolves, Crown FC (Ogbomosho), Kun Khalifat FC (Owerri), Osun United FC, Wikki Tourists FC (Bauchi), Yobe Desert Stars, Doma United FC (Gombe), and Barau FC (Kano).

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired technocrat and veteran sports administrator, Alhaji Abba Abdullahi Yola, who passed away in the early hours of Friday after a period of illness.

Alhaji Yola, a respected figure in Nigeria’s sports sector, served in several key roles throughout his illustrious civil service career. He was a former Chief of Staff to the Minister of Youth and Sports, and also held the position of Zonal Coordinator for the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports in Zone 6.

In addition, he served as Special Assistant to the then Director General of the National Sports Commission, Chief Patrick Ekeji, and was a member of the Presidential Task Force that oversaw Nigeria’s qualification and participation in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

A prominent figure in football administration, Alhaji Yola was also at one time the Chairman of Kano Pillars Football Club, one of the country’s most successful and widely-supported clubs. He held the traditional title of Ciroman Kano, underscoring his stature both within and beyond the sports community.

Reacting to the news, NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), described Yola’s death as a painful loss to Nigerian football and public service.

“I have known Alhaji Abba Yola for many years and can say without hesitation that he was a kind, humble, and knowledgeable man,” Gusau said. “He treated everyone with respect regardless of age or status. His passing is shocking, but we are comforted by the knowledge that he lived a life of great service and integrity.

“Our heartfelt prayer is that Almighty Allah grants him eternal rest in Aljanna Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the strength to bear this great loss.”

News of his death reverberated across the Nigerian sports landscape on Friday, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, friends, and admirers who remembered his decades of dedication to the development of sports in Nigeria.

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Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has passed a vote of confidence in Nigerian referees. He described their performance in the just-concluded 2024/25 season as world-class.

Elegbeleye spoke during a media parley to review the season. He praised the officials for their marked improvement. He asserted that their standard now compares favourably with their counterparts around the world.

“I’ve travelled widely and seen some shocking officiating decisions globally—something you rarely encounter in the NPFL these days,” Elegbeleye stated. “That’s why I can confidently say our referees are among the best in the world.”

He attributed the improvement in officiating to ongoing reforms and capacity development efforts, noting that Nigerian referees have begun receiving more continental recognition as a result.

“At the CAF U-20 Championship in Egypt, we had a Nigerian referee on duty. Another has been shortlisted for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). These are signs of steady progress,” he said.

While acknowledging that the league’s officiating still has room for improvement, Elegbeleye emphasized the need for continuous training and retraining to consolidate the gains made so far.

He also called on the media to play a supportive role by spotlighting both exemplary refereeing and areas needing correction to help the NPFL maintain its growth trajectory.

“Our referees need encouragement. Let’s highlight their good performances and also expose the flaws where necessary. That’s how we can keep pushing the league forward,” Elegbeleye urged.

The 2024/25 NPFL season has been widely praised for improved competitiveness and professionalism, with officiating emerging as a major talking point.

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