By Ifeanyi Eduzor, who was in Ikenne
The George Aluo led Board of the Nigerian National League has been commended for securing sponsorship for the second tier league, even as life ban has been recommended for erring referees and club officials who bring the game into disrepute.
Speaking at the end of a one day mid -season retreat held at the Remo Stars International Stadium, Ikenne organized by the Nigerian National League Board and the Nigerian National League Club Owners and Managers (NALCOMA) it was re affirmed that Aluo had given proper direction to the League, hence the interest being shown by sponsors.
According to the Chairman of NALCOMA Mr Godwin Enakhena…”We commend the George Aluo led Board for restoring confidence in the league which is now attracting corporate sponsors. The standard of the league has improved, there is better welfare for players, matches are streamed live and less violence. But some referees and clubs are acting as kill joy through desperation to win at home at all cost. We totally condemn poor officiating induced by money and other considerations. While alot is being done to improve the league, there are still some bad eggs among the referees and even club officials whose conduct can cause irreversible damage to the league. We wouldn’t allow few bad ones to destroy our league. We therefore shall be making a recommendation to the Board of the Nigerian Football Federation that any referee found culpable of breaching the rule of the league in a very dubious manner should be banned for life. This will serve as a deterent to others with bad intents.
Enakhena stressed that the Referees also need proper, regular training in order to improve officiating and the standard of the league.
“We will also recommend proper re- training and re-orientation of the arbiters because a half baked referee can not do a good job.”
