Nigeria’s top rated Stand-up Comedian, Bowoto Jephthah Tanimola, popularly known as Akpororo on stage, has hailed the quality of the NLO Cup and top notch organization of the tournament by the Nationwide League One.
It was a hitch-free tourney as eight grassroot teams displayed the best of NLO brand of football to the delight of fans who trooped to the Uyo Township Stadium to catch a daily glimpse of the football moments in the NLO Cup, sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau.
At the end, a total of 35 goals were scored during the group phase in Uyo, with Palm Syrup qualifying to the final.
Akpororo, who owns and captains his team, Roro FC in the Nigerian 3rd division, couldn’t spur his club beyond the Group phase of the NLO Cup, as they were knocked out of the competition at the Uyo Centre.
He led his team to a win, draws and loss. But despite the victory over Palm Syrup FC in their final group game, Roro FC failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition at the Uyo Centre.
Akpororo told NLO Media Channel after the victory over Palm Syrup, who are in the final after going past Kun Kalifah FC 6-5 in a nail biting penalty shootout.
“The NLO Cup has been cool tourney and another learning curve for RORO FC but I know with time, we will get to the level we have set for ourselves.
“Most importantly, I give credit to the NLO Secretariat for the initiative behind the NLO Cup, has we had some of the best teams in division in Kano and Uyo.
“I want to commend the NLO for the energy they have put in so far managing the nation’s third-tier league, and making it a good brand that has attracted top sponsors. Surely, if the NLO continues with this kind of energy level, they will surpass their targets.
“For me (Akpororo), I love the beautiful game football, and since I didn’t have the chance to play, I chose to have a team -RORO FC and I play for my team.
“I played all our matches in the grassroot to get this far, NLO and my ultimate dream for my club is to feature in the Nigerian Premier Football League.”
