Followers of the amateur league which is described as ‘the most important’ cadre of Nigerian football have been assured of a better and improved season.
Speaking with sports247.ng, the Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide league, Sola Ogunowo restated the desire of the league body to continue to improve and meet the objectives of the stakeholders.
” We are committed to improve upon the modest successes achieved in the league. It is a fact that sponsorship is important. That’s one area we’re poised to work harder,” he reiterates.
” We have also restructured the league to make it easier for all teams to play their games. Teams no longer travel more than two to three hours in order to honour their engagements,” he added.
He commended the conducts and discipline of players, officials and management of teams for ensuring the amateur league remain clean and without cases of violence or crowd troubles at match venues.
” In the nationwide league, we haven’t been recording crowd violence or attacks on match officials. It is important to note that we have been educating officials and players on need to be disciplined and be of good conduct always.
” We tell them that if as amateur players you’re not disciplined, how do you expect professional clubs to come for you?” he stated rhetorically.
Ogunowo further admonish teams and stakeholders to continue to keep faith with the league body in view of the peculiarity of the amateur league.
” Stakeholders and followers of the league should understand that there are rules guiding amateur league status. And therefore, shouldn’t expect happenings in the professional cadre in this league. Club owners, officials and stakeholders should continue to keep faith with us to give them the best,” he stated.
