Nigerian team

Kawu told newsmen that the Division 1 League will commence with a season opener between Wudi FC and Shakaru FC at the Kano Pillars Stadium in Kano.

Kawu, who was represented by a member of Lagos State Football Association, Majedee Adegbindin, said that matches in the Division 2 would kick-off on May 14, while that of Division 3 would be in July.

“We hope to conclude our league matches before the end of August in conformity with the guideline issued by our parent body the NFF,” he said.

“When we had our Annual General Meeting in January, the board promised that hopefully we would be able to bring on board some corporate organisation as our partners.

“ After a lot of restructuring and redesigning of our activities, we are happy to announce that we have successfully kept that promise to our members.

“It is my pleasure therefore to inform the gentlemen of the press as well as our special guest present today that the 2014/2015 league season will commence with NNWL partners,’’ he said.

He said that the introduction of the season’s opener, was in line with global best practice.

“The aim of this event is to provide an opportunity for interested organisation to have a feel of the kind of crowd and audience we command as Nigeria’s community and grassroots league.

“This is also to showcase these opportunities to corporate Nigeria,’’ Kawu said.

Seyi Akinwumi, who represented NFA President, Pinick Amaju, commended the NNWL board for restoring confidence in the league.

“The nationwide league should be the breeding ground for the nation football talents and future stars.

“It is the first league for young players to showcase their talents,’’ he said, and pledged moral and financial support to the board.

Earlier, Nkechi Obi, Managing Director, Premium Sports Management Service, consultant to the NNWL said that over 13,000 players would take part in the league.

She said that 160 clubs in all the 36 state of the federation will feature in the league.

“There will be 40 clubs in division 1, 56 in division 2 and 64 in division 3; the play off into division 3 will take place in September,’’ Obi said. (NAN)