Remo Stars boss, Soname, thumbs up NNL 

Pius Ayinor

It has been quite an ovation for the Board of the Nigeria National League (NNL) following the successes recorded during the 2023/24 season.

Remo Stars FC of Ikenne financier, Honourable Kunle Soname, joined the numerous stakeholders that have poured encomium on the Board when he received the NNL board chairman, George Aluo in his office at the weekend.

Speaking when Aluo paid him a courtesy visit at the Remo Stars Stadium, Soname expressed his joy and satisfaction over the smooth and hitch-free season which was completed with the Super 8 tournament at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

He said, “I want to most sincerely congratulate the Board of the NNL for organizing a hitch-free season with improved standard of play, fair officiating, and fewer cases of violence. This shows that when things are properly done, we can get the best out of our football. Who would have imagined that a young team like Beyond Limits could win the league? 

“This shows that things can be done better with the right people and attitude. We are not there yet, but we can get it right when the purpose is honesty, fairness, justice, and integrity.”

In his response, Aluo affirmed, “The NNL is committed to building a strong standard for our league so that it can be equated to quality leagues in other countries. We have shown that things can be done differently if we have the right synergy, good leadership , and support from all stakeholders.”

Aluo and his Board, who took over the NNL last year, have introduced some reforms which are already yielding good results that have transformed the second-tier league in the country.

“Organizing the league is not rocket science. If other countries are getting it right, we can also get it right. Gradually, people are seeing that things can be done transparently and honestly. We are not saints, but we have restored the integrity of the NNL because the youngest team, Beyond Limit won the league. We withstood a lot of pressure. We stood our ground by insisting that things should be done right. This may not be popular initially, but as we progress people will be forced to embrace change.”

 It will be recalled that the NNL Super 8 held in Enugu was won by Beyond Limits FC of Ikenne.