Ahead of the 2023/2024 Season, the Board of Nigeria National League (NNL) has warned the 40 participating clubs and their supporters to desist from violence during matches or face sanction.
Mr. George Aluo, Chairman of the board stated this at a press briefing on Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital preparatory to the kickup of the new season.
Nasarawa State is hosting the opening ceremony of the NNL 2023/2024 season with a match between Nasarawa United Football Club and Zanfara United at the Lafia Township Stadium on Saturday, November 11.
He appealed to all fans to always come out and support their teams and remain law abiding throughout the period of the game.
“Football is all about friendship and not war, as such no club should want to win at all means and therefore resulting to violence when the score line is not in their favour.
“What we want to see is good officiating from the first match to the last and clubs winning clean games.
“We will not hesitate to invoke sanction on any club or persons that bring or want to bring the games to disrupt.
“We want to have a league that Nigerians will be proud of and attract corporate sponsor and be on the television,” the NNL Board Chairman added.
He added that the board would ensure that the two teams involved in the opening and all other participating clubs enjoys a level playing field in line with global best practice in football throughout the competition.
He therefore expressed gratitude to Nasarawa State Government for accepting to host the opening ceremony and for putting Lafia Township Stadium in proper shape.
On his part, Mr Chidi Okwonkwo, President of NNL club owners assured that all the clubs were ready and would abide by the rules governing the competition.
In his goodwill message, Mr Isaac Danladi, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State ministry of Youths and Sports Development and the representative of the state government has lauded the management of the board for the choice of the state.
He assured them that all arrangements had been put in place to ensure that success of the match. (NAN).