The ambiance in the Kano Pillars Stadium extracted a smile from his face as George Aluo, who was overseeing his first Nigeria National League (NNL) competition this time under his leadership knew, it was good.
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The Kano State Government has been a good host, creating a level playing field for the eight teams: ABS FC, Ikorodu City, and Edel FC. Smart City, Sokoto United, FWC Champions, Adamawa United, and Henserd FC sought to retain their status in the second tier of the national football league system.
After the four-day mini-tournament which ended on Thursday, the quartet of Smart City, Ikorodu City, Adamawa United, and Sokoto United were able to earn their tickets for the next season in the NNL.
Now relaxed after the delivery of the maiden tournament under his guide, the NNL Chairman who was encouraged by the new feel he witnessed gave his assessment of the Super 8 tournament.
“The NNL Super 8 has been a huge success!” He confessed to having covered many matches in the country as a top journalist.
“This is my debut outing as the Chairman of the board of the NNL & I want to give God all the glory that it was a huge success.” he re-emphasized.
He acknowledged the strategic role played by the Kano State Government of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who picked up the responsibility of welcoming the NNL family to the state with open arms.
“I have to thank the Kano State Government for hosting us and I want to thank the people of Kano for turning up en mass to watch our games at the Sanni Abacha stadium.
I’m really impressed because Kano is the home of football and even the match that was played in the alternate venue, I’m surprised by the kind of crowd that watched it.
Having said that, I want to congratulate the Lagos teams: Ikorodu City and Smart City FC for remaining in the NNL from the Southern Conference and Sokoto United and Adamawa United for retaining their place in the Northern Conference.”
Officiating, the core element in the success of tournaments also drew his attention.
He commended the arbiters for standing firm and using the NNL Relegation Playoffs to earn some stripes.
“My joy,” according to him, “was that officiating was top notched, the referees lived up to their billings, they were on top of their game. No player or coach left here complaining of the usual that they were robbed and all that.
That shows that moving forward, our league will get better, more competitive so it’s been a huge success.” He concluded.
