Sports Journalists of Northern extraction under the aegis of Arewa Sports Journalists Hangout, ASJH, have showered encomiums on two Northern clubs, Niger Tornadoes FC and Gombe United FC, for securing promotion to the elite Nigeria Professional Football League during the weekend.
In a statement jointly signed by the body’s President, Austin Tyowua, and Secretary-General, Eche Amos, the body said, “We join thousands of football enthusiasts across Northern Nigeria and beyond to celebrate the achievements of Nigeria National League Champions, Niger Tornadoes FC, and Gombe United FC, both from the North, following their return to the Nigerian top-flight division.
“When we heard about their promotion to the NPFL during the weekend, we were so elated because they deserved to be playing in the highest division of club football in Nigeria.
“They have what it takes to rub shoulders with the best clubs in the land, and we hope their return to the elite league after a long spell in the National League will add to the glamour and competitiveness the Nigeria Professional Football League offers.
“Well-done to all the players, coaches and staff and of course all their supporters for this amazing feat and not forgetting the effort put in by the government of Niger and Gombe States, respectively, in ensuring that their teams got the necessary support and motivation needed to attain this height”.
The statement called on the nine teams from the North who will be participating in the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League Season to brace up for the task ahead by doing their home work well especially in recruiting the right players, engaging in early preparations and prioritising the welfare of affected stakeholders of their various clubs.
It, however, expressed disappointment how no team from the North made it to the CAF inter-club competitions this season, but optimistic that the new league season would see a more robust competition from teams from the North against their NPFL counterparts, promising to contribute its quota via robust media coverage and sundry areas.
After the end of the Super Eight played in Enugu, four teams, namely, Niger Tornadoes FC, Gombe United FC, Remo Stars FC and Shooting Stars FC, gained promotion from the second-tier Nigeria National League to play in the 2021/22 elite Nigeria Professional Football League.
Arewa Sports Journalists Hangout is a platform of Sports Journalists of Northern extraction laced with the aim of promoting sporting activities in the region as well as sons and daughters from the region who are making exploits in sports across the globe.
