Chairman of the Nigeria National League, George Aluo, has praised the quality and organisation of the ongoing Super Four tournament in Ikenne, describing it as a major step forward for Nigeria’s second-tier football league.
Speaking with journalists at the competition, Aluo said the NNL had successfully taken the Super Four “to another level,” citing the impressive atmosphere, quality officiating and world-class facilities at the stadium in Ikenne.
Aluo said the venue ranks among the best stadium facilities in the country, noting that the atmosphere had been excellent and the quality of the playing surface had contributed to the high standard of football displayed by the participating teams.
“The ambiance is very good and the stadium is world class. Outside the Nest of Champions in Uyo, this is the best in the country. The playing turf is fantastic and the teams are playing very good football,” Aluo said.
The NNL chairman stated that officiating had been carried out professionally in a relaxed atmosphere, adding that the overall organisation of the tournament had been impressive.
Aluo attributed the improved standards in the league to the strict measures introduced by the NNL board during the regular season, explaining that the league refused to allow manipulation or foul play.
According to him, the backing from the NFF helped the board maintain credibility and protect the integrity of the competition.
Aluo further disclosed that the league deployed top referees from the Nigeria Premier Football League at critical stages of the season and even made last-minute officiating changes when necessary to prevent attempts to bring the game into disrepute.
He expressed delight that all four promoted clubs — Inter Lagos, Sporting Lagos, Ranchers Bees and Doma United — are privately owned sides.
