NLO KICK OFF: Nationwide League Gains Commendations On First Match Day In Lagos

Organisers and officials of Nigeria’s third-tier football championship, Nationwide League One (NLO) gained an avalanche of accolades on the first day of matches in Lagos State.

A total of five matches set Lagos zone of the 2024 NLO campaign into motion at Maracana Stadium, Olodi Apapa, Ajegunle, where fans, players, coaches and journalists had an unending flood of eulogies for the organisers.

One of those who could not hold back accolades for the NLO was Coach Saturday Edeh of Crime Fighters FC, who said he was amazed with the quality of the pitch, the accurate timing of matches and the level of officiating.

Edeh added that the atmosphere, weather, and environment combined well to make it a worthwhile day for exciting football action, after which he stated delight with his team’s opening day win.

A 3-2 victory over Valiant FC set Crime Fighters off to a winning start, and Edeh said he was very happy to get maximum points on a fine day at the arena.

“I am very happy for today,” the ebullient tactician began, “First of all, the pitch is okay. The time and atmosphere for the match are okay. We are all very happy. Everything about the environment has been good. For the organiser, today has been very good.”
He went on to analyse his team’s performance in the encounter but, while expressing delight with the victory, Coach Edeh stressed that his players will have to do more in their next match and all others in the season.

“We did well today, and we hope to do more in our next match. Actually, it’s normal to seek victory in your first match of the season. Every coach has to do a plan to get what is right before the next game,” Edeh opined.

He also spoke on efforts undertaken by the management of Crime Fighters FC for a glorious season, tops of which was going on a vibrant recruitment spree to aid their quest for promotion to the second-tier Nigerian National League (NNL).

“You can see multiple changes on our team. We have tried to bring more players into the team. They all came aboard so that we can do better this season.

“Everybody’s dream is to come first in the league, and I pray to be the one on top at the end of the season,” Edeh concluded with a deep level of optimism.