Tag: NLO

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunnowo has been awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree by the African Performance Leadership Academy, an affiliate of Georgia-based KIMT University.

The Doctor of Sports Development and Management (D.SDM. HONORIS CAUSA) recognizes Ogunnowo’s exceptional contributions to public service and his pivotal role in advancing grassroots football in Nigeria.

This prestigious honour was conferred upon him following Ogunnowo’s fulfilment of the institution’s requirements, based on the faculty’s strong recommendation.

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As a leading figure in the NLO, Ogunnowo expressed his gratitude for the recognition, affirming it will drive him to elevate the NLO football brand further.

“I embrace this recognition with profound appreciation and am committed to my contributions to developing football from the grassroots to the highest levels,” Ogunnowo said.”This accolade will fuel my determination to continually strive for excellence.”

Meanwhile, in his pursuit of advanced academic excellence, Ogunnowo is on the verge of completing his PhD in Sports Management at Lagos State University (LASU).

The Club Owners of Africa’s largest grassroots’ football League, Nationwide League One (NLO) has insisted that the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in person today,  December 12^th , in Abuja.

Initially, the NLO Executive Board considered hosting the meeting virtually due to rising security concerns.

However, club officials have expressed a strong preference for attending in person, emphasizing the importance of the gathering.

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In light of this feedback, the NLO Secretariat has confirmed that the AGM will indeed be an in-person event. The commitment from club representatives to participate despite the challenges demonstrates their dedication to the league’s growth and collaboration.

Attendees who  arrived  in Abuja on Thursday December 11^th,  will depart on Saturday,  December 13^th . Additionally, the exciting MTN-NLO Cup final is scheduled for December 12th, adding to the significance of the event.

Further details will be shared with the congress members, as the NLO appreciates the ongoing support and understanding from the clubs during these trying times. The organization looks forward to constructive discussions and a productive AGM.

The Nationwide League One (NLO) Executive Board has decisively opted to conduct its  forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually following escalating security challenges in the country. 

The AGM, set for December 12th in the nation’s capital, Abuja, was billed to be attended by delegates sanctioned by the State Football Associations (State FAs), including that of the FCT.

Given the current security climate, the NLO Secretariat has swiftly communicated this essential change to all affiliated clubs within the league.

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“In our official correspondence, we clearly stated that, due to the serious security concerns affecting our nation, the AGM originally scheduled for December 12^th  will now be held in a virtual format on the same date. This decision is critical to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants during these challenging times,” the third tier league body said in a statement.

According to the NLO, the virtual setup will allow for vital discussions and decision-making while ensuring a secure environment for all involved. NLO will promptly provide all designated congress members with the necessary details and links for accessing the meeting.

As the largest grassroots football regulatory body in Africa, we appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our affiliates as we navigate these pressing challenges together.

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has announced that 10 of its staff members will be participating in a 3-day online Executive Course in Sport Law.

This initiative, organised by the Lagos-based School of Corporate & Business Law (LPP) under the Companies & Allied Matters Act 2020, begins on Wednesday, November 5^th .

The Professional Certificate in Sport Law aims to provide professionals, administrators, and sports enthusiasts with a thorough understanding of the legal frameworks governing the sports industry.

Participants will delve into essential topics such as contracts, sponsorships, governance, dispute resolution, and athlete rights, allowing them to better navigate the complexities of sports management.

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Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO, highlighted the organization’s dedication to ongoing staff development by stating, “Continuing education for our staff has evolved into an annual practice. This commitment underscores our priority on training and development as integral components of our human resource strategy.”

Ogunnowo further emphasized the benefits of such training, noting, “These programs are designed to reinforce and expand upon existing knowledge and skills, ensuring our team stays informed about the latest developments, regulations, and best practices in the industry.”

The comprehensive e-Learning curriculum covers vital aspects of grassroots football management, reflecting NLO’s commitment to keeping its staff at the forefront of industry standards.

“Investing in these courses is essential for maintaining safety and compliance, enhancing performance and productivity, and minimizing errors and risks.”

Ogunnowo added: “Sports is now a multi-billion-dollar business; every club, academy, athlete, and sports brand needs legal guidance. This course positions our staff to tap into the lucrative and expanding opportunities.

“After the completion of the programme, our 10 staff members become Certified Sports Law Professionals. This strengthens their professional profile, boosts credibility, and qualifies them for higher-value roles in sports management and consulting.”

By prioritizing professional education, the NLO is actively fostering a culture of continuous improvement that ultimately benefits the entire organization and its stakeholders.

The Nationwide League One (NLO) will conduct a two-day Management Workshop for Team Managers of all clubs (Division 1 and NLO U19) in the New Year Mega Lottery/NLO 2025 League season.

According to the media department of the country’s third-tier domestic league regulatory body, the Management Workshop will be held virtually between  April 17^th  and 18^th .

Tayo Egbaiyelo, the NLO League Manager and Member of the Order of Niger (MON), provided insight into the workshop.

“In our commitment to ensuring a smooth and professional 2025 league season, we are pleased to announce a mandatory management workshop for all participating NYML/NLO team management personnel.

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“This important event, facilitated by the NYML/NLO in collaboration with STW Nigeria LTD, aims to refresh and enhance the knowledge and skills of your management staff, equipping them to effectively navigate the demands of the upcoming season.”

Egbaiyelo stated  that the two-day workshop will cover key topics with quality resource persons available to guide participants.

On Thursday, Mr. Nasir Jubril will address Transfers in Amateur Football, followed by Dr. Damilola Adedotun, who will discuss Financial Management for Clubs in the Nationwide League One. Ms. Nkechi Obi will provide an in-depth presentation on Building Strong Club Brands: Marketing and Fan Engagement Strategies.

Dr. Femi Onifade will speak on Sustainability in Football: Environmental Responsibility and Initiatives.

The final day of the workshop will begin with a session by Prof. Morounfolu M on Leadership and Governance in Football Management. Dr. Robinson Okosun, a renowned psychologist and former Nigerian volleyball star, will discuss Mental Health Among Amateur Football Players in Nigeria. Additionally, Olushola Ogunnowo, the Chief Operating Officer of NLO, will guide participants through the diagnosis of the NLO Rule Book.

Attendance for this virtual workshop is mandatory and free for all NYML/NLO clubs. Each club is required to have a minimum of two representatives from their management team.

Egbaiyelo remarked that the NLO firmly believes this workshop will significantly contribute to the success of the 2025 league season and the overall advancement of football in our nation. We anticipate your active participation and look forward to a successful 2025 league season.

Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One (NLO) Olushola Ogunnowo and its  League Manager,  Tayo Egbaiyelo, during the week had a productive meeting with the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The meeting in Yenagoa also had House Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Tare Porri, Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS), Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Mrs. Alagoa-Aigbiniode Grace in attendance.

Chief Operating Officer (COO), Olushola Ogunnowo, told NLO Media Channel.

“We had robust and successful deliberations with His Excellency, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and other key government officials in Bayelsa’s sports sector, on how the state can inculcate one of NLO’s major activities into its football programmes.

“Governor Douye Diri deserves all the accolades he has been getting as his ‘Prosperity Administration’ has impacted the meaningfully on the youths via football and other sports.

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“Being a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Governor Diri’s unparalleled commitment to sports is unmatched, as he has prioritised the development of sports as a tool to positively engage the youths in the state.

“No wonder Bayelsa is now ascribed as the Mecca of sports in Nigeria and home of grassroots football with the Prosperity Cup.

“As the apex body coordinating grassroots football in the country and the largest teams and academies in Africa, the recent Afriskaut NLO Cup partnership has become one the most prestigious sporting events, showcasing our best talents to top clubs in Europe and of course, a global audience.”

“Hosting one of NLO’s major events at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa will complement Governor Diri’s agenda on grassroots football development.”

Poised to take the nation’s grassroot football to enviable heights, Chairman of the Nationwide League One, His Excellency Silas Agara arrived in Zagreb, the Croatian capital for a sports business conference.

In Zagreb, the former Nasarawa State Deputy Governor began his trip, as a guest at the headquarters of Sofascore, where he met Zlatko Hrkać (the co-founders of Sofascore) and other top executives Marta Bihar, Toni Jermaniš and Filip Vrlec.

From there Agara was at Hotel Falkensteiner & SPA Iadera located on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia, for his first event, which was to network with all the partnership clubs of Sofascore across the world.

Next on his trip, the NLO boss will attend a two-day Sunset Sports Media Festival holding today and tomorrow.

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While speaking from Zagreb with the NLO Media Channel, a delighted Agara said.

“Football in Nigeria has over the years been in high demand, looking at the quality that makes it to Europe and other parts of the world. More so there are a lot of on-tapped talents everywhere, thus making the Nationwide League One the best platform that can create a career pathway for many of these talents.

“We are delighted that the NLO now has  international interest amongst fans and corporate brands, this development in the long run can help our grassroot football realise its enormous potential.

“Our first season with Sofascore has been a rewarding one, as it has provided an opportunity for more fan engagements, by way of comments, predicting the scoreline of matches and also seeing minute-by-minute live scores of their teams pop up on their devices by way of notifications once they have the app.”

Jigawa Golden Stars and Mailantarki Care FC have been demoted to the lower league after their relegation from the Nigeria National League following the conclusion of Conferences D of the 2023/2024 NNL season.

Mailantarki defeated Jigawa by 2-1 in the last match of the conference but it was not enough to prevent the team from escaping relegation to the NLO.

Both teams had 14 points each with Kebbi Utd but the later escaped the drop with a superior goal aggregate.

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City FC of Abuja who came last on Conference D log with 10 points also joined the two teams to be relegated to the NLO.

With the conclusion of Conference D, attention will now be shifted to the conclusion of the three other conferences of the league.