Sports

We can only turn NNL’s fortune around with your support, NNL boss tells Media

Published

3 years ago

July 20, 2023

Joel Ajayi
It’s no longer news that growth and development of football anywhere in the world lies on the hands of sports journalists who always project the game positively.

Based on this the newly constituted Board of Nigeria National League (NNL), under the able leadership of Veteran Journalist, George Aluo has appealed to the media to come and support the league in order to bring the lost glory of the league.

Speaking at the press briefing on Wednesday, in Abuja, Chairman of NNL, George Aluo, expressed that success of any league lies on the media, he however urged them to always project the league for it’s progress and growth.

“When you talk about football development, the first people that will make it happen is the Media. FIFA, CAF NFF recognizes that, that is why we felt it that our starting point is to meet with media. We called this press conference to solicit your support.

“I appeal to you, the Nigerian Sports Journalists, to give us your full support, let us collectively do this; we need NNL in the front burner of our respective medium.

“Let’s make it more attractive, we need to project the league in positive ways so that corporate bodies can embrace it, we need to hype our league positively,to give it a good brand and the only way we can succeed is when media give their needed support.”

He also disclosed that the Board’s door is open for any idea that can progress the league from the media, as well as constructive criticism.

Highlighting what they are going to do to make the league better, Mr Aluo said that, the new Board will not joke with the referees indemnities, as the Board will not leave any stone unturned to ensure the league get the befitting sponsors.

On his remark, the Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel Adesanya said that the entire staff are ready to ensure the league become the best in the country.

“We are going to give them 100 percent support and corporation, our desire is to succeed and by the grace of God, together the story of NNL will be rewritten.”

Share on Facebook

Sports

Nigerian Goalkeeper James Honoured with Spot in Finland’s Team of the Season

Published

20 hours ago

October 27, 2026

The Gleamer

Ibrahim Lawal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Samuel Friday James has earned recognition among the best-performing players in Finland following his impressive displays for SJK Akatemia in the 2026 season.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper ranks second among the league’s selected best-performing XI, with an average rating of 7.61, according to statistics published by Totori News.

James’ performances have stood out despite the challenging campaign faced by his club, with his consistency between the posts making him one of the bright spots in the team.

The former Mavlon FC goalkeeper has recorded four clean sheets in Finland’s Ykkösliiga this season, while his shot-stopping ability has further underlined his growing reputation in European football.

According to available season statistics from FootyStats, James has made 20 league appearances, playing 1,800 minutes. He has conceded 32 goals and made 75 saves from 109 shots faced, giving him a save percentage of approximately 68.8 per cent.

His four clean sheets account for 20 per cent of his league appearances, demonstrating his ability to keep opponents at bay despite the defensive challenges confronting his team.

James has also shown composure and resilience in difficult matches, including his recent international outing for Nigeria against Russia, where he made his senior Super Eagles appearance in the 3-3 friendly draw on October 6.

Standing at 1.95 metres, the young goalkeeper possesses the physical attributes required for the modern game, combining his reach with quick reactions and an increasingly valuable experience of European football.

His rise has been particularly encouraging following his move from Lagos-based Mavlon FC to Finland in 2025. Since then, he has continued to develop through regular competitive football and has attracted attention for his performances.

James’ latest statistical recognition of 7.55 rating in the team of the season adds to his growing profile as Nigeria continues to assess goalkeeping options for the future.

At 20, the goalkeeper will be hoping to build on his progress in Finland and establish himself as a regular contender for the Super Eagles, while continuing to improve his performances at club level.

Share on Facebook