In an unprecedented performance in recent times, an increased number of clubs campaigning in the Nigeria National League (NNL) have secured qualification for their States’ Federation Cup Final.
The finals are slated from 29th to 31st of March, 2024.
In Lagos State, Inter Lagos overcame their more flamboyant Nigeria Premier Football League side, Sporting Lagos in the semi-final with a 2-0 result while another NNL team Ikorodu City subdued First Bank FC with a 3-0 scoreline in the same stage.
Both Inter Lagos and Ikorodu City will play each other in the final.
Same scenario will be witnessed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja where two NNL teams; EFCC FC and Sporting Supreme will be facing each other in the final.
FC Rocket, another NNL team also qualified for the Akwa Ibom State final where they will clash against NPFL’s Akwa United.
Warri Wolves, Coal City, Cynosure, Ekiti United have also secured their spots in Delta State, Enugu State, Ebonyi and Ekiti States finals respectively as Edel FC and Solutions FC punched their tickets to the Anambra State final.
Beyond Limits stepped into the Ogun State final to face fellow NNL campaigners Stormers SC while Nasarawa United, Osun United with ABS also underlined the remarkable development in the second-tier division with a place in Ogun, Osun, Kwara and Nasarawa States’ finals.
This catalogue of impressive posts in the country’s oldest domestic competition has according to observers sparked some level of confidence among all stakeholders.
NNL Chairman George Aluo while commenting on this positive trend at the state level commended the club administrators, the players and other personnel who are involved in the strides being made by the league.
“What we are witnessing in the States’ Final of the Federation Cup is a reflection of the deliberate efforts by every stakeholder to make the NNL a worthy league of repute. As I speak,” he continued , “some of our clubs will be in about 10 State Finals of the Federation Cup. In fact, Anambra, Lagos and Ogun states’ Finals will see titles being contested for between two NNL Clubs.”
He urged the clubs to sustain the upward trajectory the NNL has been going through as he called on sponsors to see these opportunities and partner the body for national development.
