Former NFF Board Member, Emeka Inyama hails NLO on Super Cup

 

Former NNL Chairman and NFF Executive Committee Member, High Chief Emeka Inyama, has poured praises on the board of the Nationwide League One over the organization of the inagural NLO/ Ikukuoma Super Cup in Ihitte/Uboma.

The tournament hit its climax on Saturday with Tudun Wada and Ave FC set to spark fireworks at the final billed for the Uboma Secondary School Stadium complex. 

Inyama while urging the NLO to remain consistent in its drive to rebrand Nigeria's football foundation said.

"I'm impressed with what I've seen, watched good football, seen talented young players and off course a wonderful facility. The matches have been fantastic for the level of football. This is how it should be, as football in Nigeria has to be foundational.

"I want to give credit to the Nationwide League One (NLO) for a top notch organization of the the U19 Youth League Super Cup. It's also interesting that all the matches played have been live streamed for the world to see the quality of third-tier league.

"Big kudos to the NLO Board, Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo and every staff that have added one or two inputs to the successful hosting of the NLO/ Ikukuoma Super Cup in Ihitte/Uboma. I think from here, the NLO should take it to the next level as step-by-step, our football will be back."

The former Abia Warriors boss who drove from Umuahia-Abia State to Ihitte/Uboma in Imo State to watch one of the second round matches, was amazed at the level of things on ground.

"I've been on a short break away from football, and just returned to the country from abroad, so I learnt of the tournament and off course decided to hit the road to Ihitte/Uboma.

"Don't forget that am into grassroot football as I founded one of the best football school in the country, this is the next level for them. My trip here too will avail me the chance to also learn one or two things from here, as learning never ends as its a continuous thing. So am impressed.

"Consistently over the years, the Nationwide League One management have done well. They have always set standards and raising the stakes as far as football at this level is concern.

"I must commend Ogunnowo for the brilliant job he and his team have done for the NLO, as they have made it the third-tier league a top football brand that Nigerians want to affiliate with. I just have one word for them, as that's, they shouldn't rest on their oars, as a lot is still expected."

Ogunnowo announces September 5 as NLO Super Cup kickoff date, explains modalities

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nationwide League One, Olushola Ogunnowo has announced Tuesday September 5 through Saturday September 16, 2023 as the kick-off date for the NLO Youth League Super Cup, as he  revealed that there would be two wild card teams that will also take part in the competition with more clarifications in the coming days. 

"We are looking to commence it from 5th to 16th September. It is a full 10 days of football activities. The competition will boost the economy of Imo State because 18 football clubs and about 30 match delegates among others will be in the state by then."

Ogunnowo, further explained modalities for the Youth League Super Cup, as he assured that foreign scouts, members of the Technical Department of the NFF, and some national team coaches would storm Owerri to discover talents. 

He acknowledged the adulation from Nigerians and overseas for the NLO conduct of the Youth League and further itemized reasons for the Super Cup while also adding that different steps including live stream of all games have been concluded to ensure the NLO continue to have its rave review and tractions.

"This is going to be the first of its kind in the history of youth football in Nigeria. The NLO decided to take the bull by the horns to start a Youth League in the country," Ogunnowo said why fielding questions from journalists after the signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation.

"We have received so many applause both within and outside the country. We decided it was not best for the teams to just play the league and stop there. The 18 teams that will take part and additional two wild cards have already been promoted to NLO but we want to come up with a championship whereby we can come up with a single winner for the Youth League in the country. 

"The tournament will be keenly contested and we have invited foreign scouts to be part of what we are doing. We are inviting close to eight sporting directors from different leagues across the world to come and see our talents from the Youth League. 

"Nigeria Football Federation Technical Department will be on ground while notable coaches in the country will also be around to see the best that can be showcased from the NLO. 

"The NLO is the only league that has a broadcasting department because we stream live most of our matches. We streamed live over 144 matches in the just concluded NLO Division 1. In the NLO Division 2 (Youth League), we streamed live close to 200 matches. All the matches to be played during the championship will be live streamed to be watched in all parts of the world."