Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Akin Dare and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick will be Special Guests at the opening games of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Eight play-off which gets underway tomorrow Tuesday September 7th, at the Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
The trio, among other top dignitaries have confirmed their attendance which underscores the importance of the second-tier league.
Enugu State government accepted to host the end of the season NNL fiesta to lend support to the development of the league.
The Minister emphasized that only the development of the second-tier of the league can lead to accelerated football development.
“I am a strong believer in the dictum that developing and equipping the youths of any nation is not only a step in the right direction, but worth investing in. I gave my word since I assumed office in 2019 that I will support every facet of youth activities and sports because of its importance in solid nation building. We are totally committed to what we are doing and will not relent”
NNL Chairman, Senator Obinna Ogba has assured of a hitch-free play-off.
The play-off begins tomorrow at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu with four games per day and will run through Saturday 11 September, 2021.
The official opening ceremony precedes the last two games slated for tomorrow evening, where the Minister is expected to take the ceremonial kick off.
Meanwhile, in the draws for the play-off held this evening at the Autella Hotel and Suit, Independent Layout, Gombe United will take on El-kanemi Warriors in the very first match by 1.00pm, while Bendel Insurance will square up with Shooting Stars Sports Club by 3.00pm.
DMD will take the centre stage against Niger Tornadoes by 5.00pm, and the last match of the day will be between Ekiti United and Remo Stars by 7.00pm.
On Wednesday, which is the Day 2, Elkanemi Warriors will play the first match against Niger Tornadoes by 8:30am. Shooting Stars Sports Club will tackle Remo Stars by 11.00am, Gombe United versus DMD by 4.00pm, and Bendel Insurance taking on Ekiti United by 6.00pm.
On Thursday, which is the Day 3, DMD will host state rivals, Elkanemi Warriors in the first match by 8:30am, as Ekiti United takes on Shooting Stars Sports Club. The match will hold by 11:30am.
Minna based Niger Tornadoes tackles Gombe by 4.00pm, with the last group match between Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance coming up by 6.00pm.
All games will take place at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
