The Nigeria National League (NNL), has urged the supporters club in the state to eschew violence during and after the football match because football is all about friendship.
Chairman of NNL, Dr. George Aluo stated this during a press briefing in Lafia the state capital in preparation for the kickoff of the 2023/2024 Season.
He said that 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.
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He, therefore, appealed to all fans to always come out and support their teams and remain law-abiding throughout the game.
“Football is all about friendship and not war, as such no club should want to win at all means and therefore result to violence when the score line is not in their favor.
“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 clue 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 sponsors and be on the television,” the NNL Board Chairman noted.
He added that the board would ensure that the two teams involved in the opening and all other participating clubs enjoy a level playing field in line with global best practices in football throughout the competition.
He further expressed gratitude to Nasarawa State Government for accepting to host the opening ceremony and for putting Lafia Township Stadium in proper shape.
Speaking, the President of NNL club owners Mr Chidi Okwonkwo, assured that all the clubs were ready and would abide by the rules governing the competition.
In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, of Nasarawa State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, and the representative of the state government Mr Isaac Danladi, 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 the success of the match.
