Br Chinedu Emerson

Chairman, Abia Comets Football Club, Boniface Alozie Uche, has commended organisers of the just concluded NALCOMA Pre-season Tournament, held in the ancient city of Jos, Plateau State capital.

The chairman disclosed that the tournament was a great idea by the leadership of NALCOMA, adding that it was a great test case for all the stakeholders in the league.

Mr Uche who spoke with the club’s media crew shortly after the completion of the Pre-season, he expressed satisfaction over the tournament and thanked the leadership of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Club Owners Association, NALCOMA, for a job well done.

“For the first time in the history of the league, NALCOMA organized a pre-season tournament and chose the beautiful city of Jos as the Venue.

“For me, the tournament was a great idea by the leadership of NALCOMA. It was a test case for all the stake holders in the league.

“It provided a platform for all that are involved in the game to put up a near-perfect football environment.

“The security arrangement, team officials conduct, players attitude towards referees in the field of play, and most importantly officiating during games, were excellent,” he said.

He acknowledged that though there were obvious lapses in officiating due to human nature, he added that the tournament was a learning process for all and gave a pat on the organisers back

“Referees are human beings and are prone to mistakes. Some players made mistakes in their decision during play.  Coaches make mistakes in their substitutions. It can happen to anybody. Like I said before it was a learning process for all.

“There are some positives to take from this tournament. Football tourism still remains a panacea for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria. It removes both ethnic and religious barriers.”

“The club owners’ continuous support to move Nigeria football forward is not in doubt. Nigerians are desirous of good football environment where they can relax with their families, as was exhibited by the football supporters in Jos.

“It provided a good opportunity for players’ performance assessment, team blending and cohesion.”

Abia Comets FC finished the tournament in the third position on six points. And will continue preparation ahead of the 23/24 NNL season which will kick-off on October 28, 2023.