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By Amaechi Agbo

The much anticipated kick-off of the “Most Important League” in the country, the Nigeria National League, NNL Friday suffered a huge set back as absence of match officials stalled the kick-off of the 2020/2021 season, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

From Abuja to Katsina, the two matches scheduled to hold on Friday could not start as match referees failed to show up to the match venues.

At the Area 3 Pitch in Abuja, venue of the EFCC FC Vs FC Taraba match, the match was postponed to hold on Saturday after the two teams had done their warmup but referees failed to turn up.

In Katsina, venue of the match between Malumfashi FC and FC Zamfara, the story was the same – referees failed to show up.

Findings by our correspondent indicate that the NNL and the Referee appointment Committee have been in communication and discussion prior to the embarrassing situation from the two match venues.

Some persons who spoke off record told our correspondent that the situation may not be unconnected with backlog of indemnities owed the match officials in the aborted 2019/2020 season.

A official who is competent in Nigeria referee said that match officials for the two matches were not appointed.

However, an official of the NNL who spoke in confidence told our correspondent that the debts have been sorted out and wondered why they took the decision not to show for the match.

EFCC Vs FC Taraba holds On Saturday.

Speaking with our Correspondent at the Area 3 Pitch, the Match Commissioner for the EFCC and FC Taraba, Mr Abdul Mohammed Bello said the match has been shifted to hold on Saturday, February 13, 2021 by 8am.

With several matches set to be played on Saturday, it is hoped that the NNL organisers will put their house in order to get the league up and running.