“Best Draw in NNL History”: Olopade Hails World-Class Show, Salutes Toptier’s Game-Changing Investment

Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has commended the NNL Board under the leadership of Mr. George Aluo for staging what he described as a “classy and world-class” NNL Super Four Draw in Lagos, while praising Toptier Sports Management for its transformative investment in the league.

The Nigeria National League continues to cement its place as the most important league in the country, serving as the critical bridge between the Nigeria Premier Football League and the Nationwide League One. With its focus on youth development and competitive structure, the NNL remains a proven pipeline for producing players for Nigeria’s age-grade national teams.

Olopade, who led a strong delegation of sports administrators to the event, expressed delight at the level of organization on display. Speaking at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, he described the occasion as a new benchmark for Nigerian football.

“I must commend Mr. George Aluo and the entire NNL Board for putting together an event like this. This is one of the best draws I have witnessed in Nigeria. I encourage the Board to keep up the good work, because the NSC’s doors will always remain open to support you,” Olopade said.

“This is a remarkable achievement for the NFF under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau. Congratulations to them.”

The DG reserved special praise for the league’s private partners, crediting them for the visible transformation.

“I also want to appreciate Toptier Sports Management, under the leadership of Mrs. Chichi Nwoko, for investing heavily 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.”

Reaffirming the Commission’s mandate, Olopade added: “We are committed to sports development in Nigeria, and we will do our best to ensure that the Nigerian sports industry becomes a force to be reckoned with across the globe.”

The event was attended by key figures in Nigerian football, including NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Remo Stars Chairman Hon. Kunle Soname, and respected tactician Coach Abdullahi Usman Biffo. Ex-internationals Victor Ikpeba and Daniel Amokachi were also present, adding colour and credibility to the event.

All roads now lead to Ikenne, Ogun State, where the NNL Super Four will hold from May 4 to May 8, 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium. Four newly promoted NPFL sides — Doma United, Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, and Ranchers Bees — will compete for the ₦10 million prize and the title of NNL 2025/2026 overall champions.

If the draw was anything to go by, Ikenne is set for a festival of football.