The Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, has commended referees officiating in the second stanza of the second tier league for a job well done, just as he charged them to sustain the performance till the end of the season.
The second stanza of the league is in Week 2 with some teams winning on the road.
The Chairman of the NNL believes the away wins were made possible by the professional handling of matches by the referees.
According to him, their professional handling of matches of the most important league in the country deserves kudos because it has helped in making the matches more attractive and teams putting in more efforts to win their games.
Also said: “I want to commend referees who are handling the second stanza of NNL matches for a job well done.
“Their professional handling of matches and not allowing intimidation overshadow their sense of judgement is a clear indication that the league is gradually getting it right.
“A look at the results recorded so far in the second stanza shows officiating is getting better and better.”
Aluo was quick to point out that the mid-season retreat held in Ikenne in Ogun State in partnership with club owners body, NALCOMA, is yielding dividends.
He added: “The Ikenne retreat was one in which we told ourselves the truth and I’m happy the clubs are cooperating.
“I also want the Referees Appointment Committee of NFF for the good job they are doing.”
Aluo charged the referees to sustain their performance in the most important league in the country to make the game more attractive, which will go a long way in attracting sponsors to the league.
He said: “I want to remind the referees that their actions can make or mar a game and as such they should continue with the same mentality and professional handling of matches so far witnessed till the end of the league and by so doing sustain the successes we have recorded.”
In some of the matches decided this weekend, promotion chasing Akwa United fell 1-3 at home to Abeokuta Stormers, while Edel ran away with a 1-0 victory away against Gateway.
Sunshine Stars played out a 1-1 draw at home with Beyond Limit at the Akure Township Stadium.
Inter Lagos were held to a 1-1 draw by Crown FC of Ogbomosho at the Onikan Stadium, while Calabar Rovers suffered a 1-0 loss at their UJ Esuene Stadium home to Solution FC of Awka.
