Nigerian Football Legends, Kanu, Ikpeba Back NNL Revival

Two of Nigeria’s football greats, Kanu Nwankwo and Victor Ikpeba, have thrown their weight behind the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian National League (NNL), praising the quality of play and leadership at the second-tier level of Nigerian football.

Ikpeba was present at the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Stadium in Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday to witness a thrilling Match Day 15 encounter between Smart City FC and Warri Wolves, which ended in a 1–1 draw. The result brightened the chances of Warri Wolves’ qualification for the NNL Super Eight, the final playoff round of the league.

Kanu, the Chairman of Enyimba International FC, Nigeria’s most decorated football club, on his part expressed his excitement at the level of competition and performance of teams in NNL.

“There is great hope for Nigerian football from what I am seeing in the NNL. I have seen some of the games of the ongoing season. What I have seen is encouraging. These players are hungry, talented, and just need the right platform,” Kanu said.

Victor Ikpeba, 1997 CAF African Footballer of the Year, also commended the league’s progress under its current leadership.

“The standard of play is good and the league is very competitive. I look forward to attending the NNL Super Eight.”

Kanu and Ikpeba—winners of the CAF African Footballer of the Year in 1996 & 1999 and 1997 respectively—are among a growing list of ex-professionals lending support to Nigeria’s domestic football ecosystem.

Their presence and endorsements are expected to boost the league’s visibility and attract further attention to grassroots and developmental football across the country.