BY SAB OSUJI

George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League, NNL Board, has heaved plaudits on the second tier domestic league clubs, Kebbi Utd, Sokoto Utd, El-Kanemi Warriors and EFCC following their sweeping performances in the 2024 President Federation Cup, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Aluo, a veteran journalist, spoke against the backdrop of NNL clubs performances in Wednesday's Round of 16 matches with no fewer than five NNL clubs sealing their places in the quarter finals, making the quarter finals an NNL club dominated fixtures withe ultimate potential of NNL guaranteed at least two semi final slots.

"I'm happy. I'm proud of the club's. They have made us proud. They have proved that indeed, NNL is the most important league in Nigeria", Aluo said when Exclusivenews.com.ng called him up after the conclusion of the President Federation Cup Round of 16 matches on Wednesday.

Sokoto Utd defeated four time champions and Nigeria's most successful and glamorous club, Enyimba 1-0 in one of the most shocking and unexpected results that shook the domestic football landscape on Wednesday.

As if that was not enough incredible feat by the most important league clubs, Kebbi Utd equally ended another NPFL club's March to glory, Akwa United with a 1-0 defeat.

Wait for it! Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors dimmed the erstwhile rampant Shooting,Stars 1-0 to book a quarter just as Inter Lagos stopped ambitious Ikorodu City 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 regulation time result, thus, bringing NNL clubs in the quarter finals to five.

"It has never happened like this before, five NNL clubs in the FA Cup quarter finals, leaving NPFL teams with three slots. Its unbelievable.

"They have proved that the future and strenght of our football lies in these youngsters plying their trades in the NNL. They have earned the honour of 'Ambassadors' of the NNL and I can only congratulate them and their management".

With five slots in the Round of eight (8), and with fixtures already handy, NNL is certain to have a minimum of two slots in the semi finals.

Yet, the NNL boss would charge the clubs to roll their sleeves, reckoning that the real battle just got started.

"We're taught in Geography in Secondary School then that 'the Higher you go, the cooler it becomes.

"We've to realise that in practical reality of our everyday life, especially in sports, football in particular, the more you progress, the more the games get tougher.

"So, it's important to urge our 'Ambassadors' that this is the business end of the campaign. Its important they work harder for the coming games".

In the quarter final fixtures, EFCC will file out against Kebbi United in an 'NNL Derby' just as El-kanemi Warriors will tackle Inter Lagos in another 'NNL Derby'.

Enyimba conquerors, Sokoto Utd will confront another 'wireman from God's Own State', Abia warriors Sunshine Stars ruffle feathers with Kano Pillars in the only 'NPFL Derby' of the quarter final fixtures.