NNL boss Aluo urges patience for league reforms

George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), has emphasized that the revitalization of Nigerian domestic football requires patience and long-term vision, insisting the sport cannot be managed like a “fast-food business” where results are instantaneous.

Speaking with journalists following the Newstap/SWAN Five Star Awards at the Eko Club in Surulere, Aluo noted that the visible progress in the NNL is the product of deliberate reforms targeting player welfare, officiating standards, and league competitiveness.

“Football is not like a fast-food business where you bake bread in the morning, sell it by the afternoon, and cash out in the evening,” Aluo remarked. “That is not how football works. It requires a foundation.”

A cornerstone of these reforms, according to Aluo, is the introduction of immediate financial incentives to motivate both players and officials. He highlighted the impact of “locker room bonuses” facilitated by league partners.

“Through our partnership with betPawa, we’ve introduced a system where 20 players and five technical officials receive 56,000 Naira right in the dressing room after a win,” Aluo explained. “This immediate reward changes the psychology of the game.

The Chairman credited the entry of new stakeholders, such as Divine Sports Management (DSM), with improving the league’s professional structure and media visibility. He also pointed to the significant hike in referees’ indemnities as a key factor in the rising quality of officiating.

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“Our referees are performing better because they are being looked after. Last week, I publicly commended them because the officiating is improving every matchday,” he said.

Aluo cited recent “away” results as evidence that the NNL is shedding its reputation for home-team bias. He pointed to Inter Lagos holding Beyond Limits to a draw in Ikenne, Bendel Insurance defeating Gateway FC in Abeokuta, and Solution FC’s victory over Calabar Rovers in Calabar.

“These are the kinds of results we want to see. We are working to ensure the NNL becomes the most important developmental league in the region,” Aluo stated.

The ultimate goal of these reforms is to retain Nigeria’s best young talents and discourage them from moving to obscure leagues abroad for meagre pay.

“If players feel valued and motivated within the NNL, they won’t feel the need to disappear to unknown leagues,” Aluo argued. “We want to keep our stars here and ensure our domestic game thrives.”

Looking ahead, Aluo expressed optimism that a stronger domestic league would eventually provide a pipeline for the national team, citing the 2013 AFCON success where home-based hero Sunday Mba scored the winning goal.

“In the next few years, you will see domestic players commanding spots in the Super Eagles again,” he said. “We are building the foundation for that return to glory.”

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