The president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has been commended for promptly responding to calls for him to ensure law and order at venues hosting matches in the ongoing Nationwide League One (NLO).
There have been hues and cries over poor officiating across the match venues leading to acts of hooliganism by irate fans of some of the amateur clubs.
However, following Gusau’s intervention, the NLO organisers have since wielded the big stick by expelling some of the referees that have been found guilty of poor officiating.
In his reaction, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FC Yarmalight, Malam Farouk Yarma, has extolled the NFF president’s prompt response to officiating concerns at the match venues.
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In a statement, the former chairman of Gombe State Sports Commission and Commissioner for Youth Empowerment said “I am writing to express my heartfelt commendation to you and your esteemed team at the Nigerian Football Federation for your swift and efficient response to the concerns raised by club owners regarding biased officiating by a few individuals within the NRA.
“Your proactive approach in addressing these issues is truly commendable and reflects your commitment to upholding fairness and integrity in Nigerian football.
“I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the NLO secretariat for their diligent efforts in monitoring the ongoing NLO season. It is imperative that we continue to collaborate in eradicating any negative influences that hinder the progress of Nigerian football.”
Yarma also said Nigerian’s passion for the round leather game shouldn’t be taken for granted by anyone as he maintained that it is costly to manage a private club.
“The passion and dedication of Nigerians to football shouldn’t be undermined by the actions of a few bad elements in the system.
“Managing a private football club demands immense passion, sacrifice, and hard-earned resources, so we deserve every necessary encouragement,” he said.