Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, has praised the officiating team following Gateway United’s 2-1 win over Osun United on Matchday 21 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. Aluo, who watched the game in person, commended centre referee Babayanju Saheed from Ondo and his assistants, Alalade Taofeeq and Bako Tajudeen from Kwara State, for their professionalism and firm control.
“It was top-notch officiating,” Aluo said. “They were firm, fair, and completely in control. Their performance gives us hope that Nigerian referees have come of age.”
The NNL boss emphasised the growing importance of quality officiating in building trust and credibility in the league, especially ahead of the Super 8 playoffs. He revealed that the league’s decision to assign top officials to critical matches is beginning to yield positive results, with favourable reports from other match centres as well.
Aluo stressed that consistent officiating not only minimises complaints from clubs but also boosts public confidence in the system. He concluded by urging sustained referee excellence as the league approaches its climax.
Editorial
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When Nigerian football makes headlines, it’s often for the wrong reasons—officiating errors, pitch invasions, or administrative blunders. But George Aluo’s commendation of the referees in the Gateway United vs Osun United clash is a refreshing break from the usual narrative, and a testament to what happens when professionalism meets preparation.
Too many times, poor officiating has marred genuinely competitive matches in our lower leagues, leading to distrust from fans, coaches, and players. That’s why this praise from the top of the NNL is not just symbolic it’s significant. It tells us that something is changing.
But it must not stop here. One well officiated match is not a revolution. It’s a spark. We need systems that continuously train, assess, and reward referees not just for staying invisible during a match, but for actively enhancing the quality of play. If Nigerian football is to grow, the whistle-blowers must be as fit, sharp, and respected as the players themselves.
What’s most encouraging is Aluo’s intent to replicate this level of officiating as the league enters its decisive stages. Good refereeing isn’t just about fairness it’s about integrity. And integrity is the foundation of any sport that wants to be taken seriously.
Let’s hope this wasn’t a one-off. Nigerian football deserves this level of consistency every week.
Did You Know?
- The Nigeria National League (NNL) is the second tier of professional football in Nigeria, just below the NPFL.
- Referee Babayanju Saheed, praised in this match, is one of the few officials from Ondo State with national-level assignments.
- The MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta is named after Nigeria’s late democracy hero and sports patron, Moshood Abiola.
- Gateway United’s victory was critical in their fight to avoid relegation from the NNL.
- The NNL Super 8 determines which teams gain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
