NNL rejects four more stadia

THE Nigeria National League (NNL) has hammered four more centres, which it described as not ready for the league expected to commence on January 21, 2012The NNL inspection team has been touring the facilities its 32 teams picked for their matches ahead the coming season. The inspection team's mandate, according to NNL, is to ensure that the National League is played on turfs that are befitting and television friendly, in line with its desire to make the pro league competitive and attractive to the private sector.According to the inspectors' analysis of the state of readiness of the teams for the 2012 season, signed by the secretary of the board, Ayo Rahman, Sadauna Memorial Stadium in Gusau, Kano Pillars Stadium, Katsina Township Stadium, Wrampam Stadium in Jos, Old Parade Ground in Abuja, El Kanemi Warriors Stadium, Atiku Abubakar Stadium, Onikan Stadium and Agege Stadium (both in Lagos), are not fit to host league matches.The report, which had earlier blacklisted Lafia Township Stadium, also disqualified Gingiya Memorial Stadium, Ila Stadium, Ogbomosho Township Stadium and Lokoja Township Stadium. Also not certified fully ready for matches were Olashore International Stadium in Iloko Ijesha, Uyo Township Stadium and Umuahia Township Stadium.The NNL said that for any stadium to qualify as match venue, it must be television friendly, which entails that there must be at least seven televisions and camera stands, as well as additional seating terrace, provision of floodlights and club offices.Rahman warned the affected clubs to ensure that all the areas noted by the inspectors were addressed before the final round of inspection on January 10, threatening that the NNL would not hesitate to find alternative venues for the teams if the requirements were not met by the dateline.
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