Two of Nigeria’s most celebrated footballers, Kanu Nwankwo and Victor Ikpeba, have endorsed the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian National League (NNL), applauding its competitive intensity and strong leadership.
Ikpeba, the 1997 CAF African Footballer of the Year, attended Sunday’s Match Day 15 fixture between Smart City FC and Warri Wolves at the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Stadium in Onikan, Lagos. The 1–1 draw keeps Warri Wolves firmly in contention for a spot in the NNL Super Eight playoff. “The standard of play is good and the league is very competitive,” Ikpeba remarked. “I look forward to attending the NNL Super Eight.”
Kanu Nwankwo, chairman of Enyimba International FC, hailed the second-tier competition as a vital platform for emerging talent. “There is great hope for Nigerian football from what I am seeing in the NNL,” said the 1996 CAF African Footballer of the Year. “These players are hungry, talented, and just need the right platform.”
Their endorsements—coming from two former African Footballer of the Year winners—underscore a growing movement of ex-professionals championing domestic football development. Observers believe Kanu and Ikpeba’s backing will raise the NNL’s profile and draw increased investment into Nigeria’s grassroots game.
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