Bukola Olopade Hails ‘World-Class’ NNL Super Four Draw, Applauds Private Investment in League

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has lauded the Nigeria National League (NNL) Board, led by George Aluo, for delivering what he described as a “classy and world-class” Super Four draw ceremony in Lagos.

Speaking at the event held at the Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Olopade praised the high level of organization, noting that the occasion sets a new benchmark for football administration in Nigeria. He also commended Toptier Sports Management, led by Chichi Nwoko, for its transformative investment in the league.

“The results of Toptier’s investment are what we are all enjoying today. If we can have an elaborate and world-class draw like this, I am certain the Super Four is going to be massive,” Olopade stated.

The NNL continues to strengthen its reputation as a vital link in Nigerian football, bridging the gap between the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nationwide League One. Known for its emphasis on youth development, the league remains a key pipeline for nurturing players for Nigeria’s national teams.

Olopade also congratulated the Nigeria Football Federation under the leadership of Ibrahim Musa Gusau, describing the achievement as a collective success for Nigerian football.

The event attracted several prominent figures in the sport, including Kunle Soname, Abdullahi Usman Biffo, and former internationals Victor Ikpeba and Daniel Amokachi.

Attention now shifts to Ikenne, Ogun State, where the Super Four tournament will take place from May 4 to May 8, 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium. Four newly promoted teams — Doma United, Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, and Ranchers Bees — will battle for the ₦10 million prize and the title of NNL 2025/2026 overall champions.

With the successful draw setting the tone, expectations are high for what promises to be a thrilling festival of football in Ikenne.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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