The Chairman, Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Seyi Akinwunmi, on Wednesday commended the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) for developing grassroots football in the country.
Akinwunmi gave the commendation at a press briefing heralding the 2023 NLO season held at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
Akinwunmi, a former Chairman of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), hailed the performance of the amateur league organisers, which he noted was a positive development in the country’s football.
“The facts speak for themselves; NLO is the pride of Nigerian football development because it is the core grassroots development programme.
“From what I have seen in the past years, in development, it is nothing compared to what we will see in the next three years because there has been a lot of work done.
“There are lots of efforts in data collection, communication and organisation. Nigeria can watch out for this space in our football development and key into it.
“What will happen in the next three years will be amazing because my core interest in football is grassroots development, which NLO represents,” he said.
Akinwunmi added that grassroots football presented an opportunity for the underprivileged ones to express their skills in the game.
“I do get minimum of 10 calls in five days from parents and guidances who want their children to play football; what they want is grassroots football.
“Grassroots football also encourages young coaches, referees among others. I know in the next few years to come, football will not be the same in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, I am spending my last tenure as the Lagos State Football Association Chairman as I won’t be seeking re-election, maybe this time around, I will be able to own an NLO club,” he said.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NLO, Olusola Ogunnowo, said the 2023 league season would be better organised in terms of security and unbiased officiating.