The Nigeria National League (NNL) is set to kick off with an exciting season opener between Abakaliki FC and Madiba FC of Lagos, and the officiating team for the encounter has been officially announced, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
Leading the team is Osas Alohan, a Grade A referee from Edo State, who is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the country's top officiating talents. Alohan recently completed the pre-season Member Association (MA) courses in Abuja, further cementing his readiness for high-profile assignments.
Refereeing Team Details
The complete list of officials for the match includes:
- Center Referee: Osas Alohan (Edo State)
- First Assistant Referee: Festus German (Delta State)
- Second Assistant Referee: Favour Bogwu (Delta State)
- Fourth Official: Sebastine Onwe (Ebonyi State)
To ensure smooth operations, the officiating team will be supervised by Ijeoma Nwosu, a respected retired FIFA referee from Anambra State, bringing years of experience and credibility to the game. Additionally, Emmanuel Nnadi, popularly known as "Calico" and hailing from Imo State will serve as the match commissioner, responsible for overseeing the overall organization of the game.
Venue and Expectations
The season opener will take place at the iconic Pa-Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, which boasts a seating capacity of 15,000. The stadium is expected to witness a lively turnout as fans anticipate an electrifying encounter between the two sides, setting the tone for the new NNL season.
The Importance of the Fixture
This curtain-raiser is seen as a pivotal moment for both Abakaliki FC and Madiba FC, as they look to make a strong impression in the opening game. For the officiating team, particularly Alohan, it is an opportunity to demonstrate top-notch professionalism and further establish their reputation in the domestic football scene.
The NNL remains a crucial platform for developing football talent and strengthening the officiating framework in Nigeria. With a solid team of referees and experienced supervisors at the helm, the stage is set for a thrilling start to the league.
Fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how this opening fixture unfolds, as it promises to be a spectacle of competitive football and exemplary officiating.
Oluwayemi Omolagba