The Assistant Coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team, Abdullahi Usman Biffo, has declared that there is no longer any lesser team in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), describing the 20 participating clubs as tactically disciplined and competitive.

Biffo made this assertion while speaking with journalists in Lagos ahead of the Euromatch NPFL Matchday 8 encounter between Ikorodu City and Kwara United, scheduled for Saturday.

The former Kwara United manager praised the standard of officiating in the ongoing league season, describing it as fantastic and a clear departure from what obtained in previous seasons.

According to him, the improvement in officiating has encouraged greater competitiveness among clubs, making away victories and draws more difficult and easy to secure without hard work and tactical discipline.

“The NPFL has improved drastically in the area of officiating, which has continued to encourage teams to deliver on the pitch. For any team to secure an away win or draw, it must work extra hard,” he said.

Biffo added that the days when some teams were considered weaker opponents in the top flight were gradually disappearing, noting that improved officiating has given clubs a better opportunity to compete on the pitch.

Reacting to Kwara United’s performance so far this season, the former Harmony Boys’ gaffer said the team was not doing badly, considering its narrow defeats in some away fixtures.

He explained that the Ilorin-based club was still undergoing a rebuilding process following the departure of about 80 per cent of its players after last season’s campaign.

Biffo, therefore, urged the club’s supporters, fans and other stakeholders to remain steadfast in their support, assuring them that there was no need to panic as the league season was still in its early stages.

Ikorodu City will host Kwara United on Saturday in the Matchday 8 fixture of the Euromatch NPFL, with kick-off scheduled for 4:00 pm.