The Nigeria National League (NNL) Pre-season seminar has received a seal from it’s former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sajo Muhammed.
The capacity-building programme which initially involved the coaches of ‘The Most Important League’ last season has been expanded to include Media Managers of the clubs.
Experienced football eggheads like Portuguese coach Thiago Conde, former Super Eagles assistant coach Fatai Amoo and widely travelled former Media Officer of the Nigeria Olympics Committee Tony Ubani have been confirmed for the 3-day session.
“Capacity building has always been a priority when I was there.” Recalled the Adamawa State-born administrator. “We engaged in seminars, workshops for all stakeholders which included clubs media officers just for them to know the importance of having them as an important partner to achieve a hitch-free league. Referees were all involved in the workshops to keep them abreast with what happens in other soccer leagues. Good officiating with integrity is always the key. Involving media officers in the training therefore will not only expose the league to the outside world it will also expose the club players to other clubs in Nigeria and abroad. I fully support that. Kudos the current Administrators of the NNL.”
Muhammed, who retired as an Assistant Chief Security/Intelligence Officer, Department of State Security Services (SSS) highlighted the challenges in the second -tier league but he commended the present board led by George Aluo for bringing some of the situations into positive lights.
“NNL regarded to as “The most important league” is not an easy league to run both at the administrative level and on the field of play. Challenges in terms of sponsorships, finance and human behaviors are abound. However by and large the last season ended successfully and also the Super 8 tournament that produced the 4 teams that were promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was successful . Kudos to that Administrators that succeeded us.”
The Pre-season seminar is scheduled to hold at the Remo Stars Club facility in Ikenne, Ogun State from October 28-30 ahead of the league’s kickoff date in November.
Credit: Tayo Ogunseye
