NNL: Gateway players, officials charged ahead of new season

PLAYERS and officials of Ogun state owned soccer outfit, Gateway United Football Club have been charged to be of good conduct and exhibit the standard Ogun state is noted for when they compete in the 2017 Nigeria National League NNL which start this weekend across the country. 

Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon Afolabi Afuape gave the charge when he addressed the team in Nnewi, Anambra State via conference call. 

He said it is by conducting themselves very well and exhibiting the perfect Ogun State standard that they will justify government financial expenses on the team. 

Hon Afuape said the government will continue its policy of paying their wages and salaries as at when due. 

"Gateway United is one of the few clubs that is not owing any of its player or official any bonus, salary or sign on fee. In fact we have cleared the sign off fee for 2016 before the end of that season."

He therefore enjoined them to put behind them their near miss of promotion last season and work hard this time so that at the end of the season they will realise their ambition of playing in elite Nigeria Professional Football League.

Responding, the Chief Coach of the team, Samuel Abimbola praised the government especially Governor Ibikunle Amosun for their huge support for the team and promised that they will strive hard to realise the government's ambition of seeing Gateway United playing in the elite division next season.

Gateway will start its campaign in new 2017 Nigeria National League with an away tie against Nnewi United at the Rojenny Stadium Oba near Nnewi on Saturday.