Sports

Former NFF boss, Applauds NNL leadership, insists on good officiating

Published

1 year ago

May 20, 2025

Joel Ajayi

Joel Ajayi Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick has commended the leadership of the Nigerian National League led by George Aluo for the various reforms it has brought to the league to make it really the most important league in the country.

The former FIFA/CAF Executive Board member who was at Mobolaji Anthony Arena Onikan Lagos to watch the NNL Matchday 12 between Smart City and Warri Wolves was full of excitement for the quality of organization and play displayed by the two teams.

The former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) boss however charged the league body to continue that officiating remains top notch insisting that any referee found wanting must be shown the exit door.

“Good job you guys are doing…the quality of the league is quite high but you must ensure the referees are doing their job well. You must ensure those who are not ready to officiate well are not part of the league.”

Amaju said even as he hailed Smart City and Warri Wolves for their impressive performance.Pinnick, known for his influence in African football administration, noted that the league’s development is crucial for nurturing local talents and restoring Nigeria’s dominance on the continent.

It is recalled that two of Nigeria’s football greats, Kanu Nwankwo and Victor Ikpeba also threw their weight behind the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian National League (NNL).

Both Warri Wolves and Smart City are on the verge of qualifying for the NNL Super Eight billed for next month.

The Match Day 15 encounter between the two teams ended in a 1–1 draw.

The presence and endorsements of these legends and administrators continue to boost the league’s visibility and attract further attention to grassroots and developmental football across the country

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Sports

Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman

Published

20 hours ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.

Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.

In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.

Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.

He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.

Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.

The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.

He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.

Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.

He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.

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