Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Mr. George Aluo, has expressed immense satisfaction with the progress of the 2025 NNL Super 8 tournament currently underway at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State. Speaking to journalists, Aluo praised the quality of competition, the performance of match officials, and the steady implementation of reforms aimed at elevating Nigeria’s second-tier football league.

“I’m highly impressed with what I’ve seen since the commencement of the Super 8,” Aluo stated. “All the matches have been very competitive. The essence of the Super 8 is to give teams that finished top in their groups a platform to prove they truly deserve promotion—and that’s exactly what is happening here.”

Aluo, a veteran journalist-turned-football administrator, particularly commended the officiating, crediting the selection of top-performing referees for the quality of the matches witnessed so far.

“These young referees have done a great job. Many of them were recognized with monthly awards during the regular season, and we brought them here to prove themselves again—and they have not disappointed,” he said. “I believe they’ll continue this standard till the final day on July 12.”

The NNL Chairman described the matches as thrilling and unpredictable, referencing key games such as the South-West derby between Osun United and Crown FC, as well as Warri Wolves’ hard-fought match against Kun Khalifat.

“I must confess, the matches have kept me on the edge of my seat,” he noted. “From Yobe Desert Stars vs. Barau FC to Wikki Tourists vs. Doma FC, the level of play has been consistently high. There has been no dull moment.”

On the readiness of teams for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Aluo exuded confidence, citing how recently promoted teams from the NNL have performed well in the top flight.

“The NNL we have now builds a winning mentality from day one. That’s why teams like Ikorodu City nearly grabbed a continental ticket, and Abakaliki FC made it to the Federation Cup final. These are clear signs that our teams are ready to be good ambassadors in the NPFL,” he asserted.

He also shed light on some of the challenges encountered in reforming the league, particularly resistance to change and the need to promote transparency, such as live streaming of matches.

“When you preach reform, not everyone will embrace it immediately,” Aluo admitted. “But I’m glad clubs are beginning to adopt the culture we’re promoting—fair competition, away victories, and openness through match streaming.”

According to Aluo, the introduction of reforms such as pre-season coaching education and live broadcasts of matches is already yielding results. He noted that the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, watched the Super 8 matches live from Cairo, thanks to the streaming arrangements now embraced by the clubs.

Aluo went on to describe the NFF President as the league’s biggest backer and used the opportunity to make a passionate appeal to corporate organizations for sponsorship.

“I must tell you, the biggest sponsor we have is the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau. He supports not just the NNL, but also the NPFL, NLO, and NWFL. Now that we’re doing a good job, the corporate world should come on board,” he urged.

In a move to ensure transparency and accountability, Aluo disclosed that the league is open to direct corporate funding for referees.

“We’ve told companies: if you want to sponsor the league, just take care of referees’ indemnities. We’ll provide referees’ account details so payments go directly to them. We’re not looking for money for ourselves—we’re looking for support to make the league better.”

The Super 8 continues this week as teams battle for promotion slots, while league administrators work behind the scenes to build a stronger, more professional football structure for the future of Nigerian football.