Tag: NNL

The Nigeria National League (NNL), in collaboration with the Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA), has resolved to take decisive steps against poor officiating, hooliganism and the win-at-all-cost mentality, following its Mid-Season Retreat held on Tuesday, in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Rising from the retreat held at the ultra-modern Remo Stars Stadium, Beyond Limits FC auditorium, the league body and club chairmen strongly condemned the harassment and intimidation of match officials, describing the standard of officiating witnessed in the first stanza of the 2025/2026 season as unacceptable and capable of bringing the league into disrepute.

The retreat proposed outright expulsion of any referee found to have compromised or failed to enforce the Laws of the Game, while also unanimously agreeing that match venues that promote hooliganism or disrupt fixtures would face stiff sanctions.

To improve officiating standards, the retreat requested that referees from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) be deployed for the second stanza of the season.

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The retreat reaffirmed its earlier decision that a Super 4 competition would be staged at the end of the season to determine the overall league winner, warning that any of the qualified clubs that fail to participate would forfeit their promotion slot to the next placed team in their conference.

Participants also welcomed the proposed increase in prize money for the Super 4 and applauded BetPawa for the prompt implementation of the Locker Room Bonus during the first stanza, as well as its plan to provide further material support to clubs.

The NNL and NALCOMA appreciated the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), and the NFF Board for their continued guidance and support, while also commending Hon. Kunle Soname for hosting the retreat at his state-of-the-art facility.

The retreat upheld February 14, 2026, as the resumption date for the second stanza, urged clubs to conclude mid-season transfers promptly, and welcomed new league partners, Toptier Sports Management Ltd (TSM), charging the company to activate its investment deal ahead of the league’s restart.

The retreat further applauded the cordial working relationship between the NNL Board led by Chief George Aluo and NALCOMA under Mr. Godwin Enakhena, while calling for improved communication to further strengthen league administration.

Inter Lagos FC and Akwa United have emerged as halfway champions of the Nigeria National League Southern Conferences A and B respectively, following decisive results at the end of the first stanza yesterday.

At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, Inter Lagos edged Awka-based Edel FC 2–1, sealing top spot in Southern Conference A with 16 points. The victory saw them finish ahead of top guns Heartland FC and Crown FC. Despite having a game in hand against Smart City, Heartland cannot rise above third place even with a win.

Edel FC ended the first stanza in seventh position with nine points, though their final standing could still be affected by the outcome of the Smart City versus Heartland fixture on Thursday.

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Elsewhere in the conference, Sunshine Stars recorded a slim 1–0 win over Crown FC in Akure, climbing to fifth place with 10 points, while Crown dropped to third with 13 points.

In Owerri, Heartland FC were held to a goalless draw by Beyond Limits, a result that all but confirmed Beyond Limits’ projected second-place finish on 15 points, beyond the reach of the Naze Millionaires who are currently fourth with 11 points.

Gateway FC’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1–1 draw by Smart City in Abeokuta. With just one win from eight matches, Gateway sit ninth on six points, while Smart City occupy eighth with eight points ahead of their midweek showdown with Heartland in Lagos.

In Southern Conference B, Akwa United stamped their authority with an impressive 2–0 away victory over Rovers FC in Calabar, finishing the first stanza top with 19 points from nine matches. Rovers FC concluded the round in eighth place with 10 points.

In Lagos, Sporting Lagos were forced to a 1–1 draw by Solution FC, ending the stanza second with 17 points. The result denied the Noisy Lagosians a chance to finish level on points with Akwa United. Solution FC settled for sixth spot with 13 points.

Meanwhile, Stormers FC dazzled in Abeokuta, claiming a 4–2 win over Abakaliki FC to finish fifth with 14 points, while Abakaliki FC held on to third place with 15 points. In Ileogbo, Osun United’s inconsistent campaign continued as they played out a 2–2 draw with Godswill Akpabio United FC.

The final fixture of Southern Conference B takes place today in Lagos, where First Bank FC will be targeting their first win of the season against fourth-placed Ekiti United to round off the first stanza.

The NNL has proceeded on a break with the season set to reconvene on January 31st and the league body has also announced the opening of the transfer window which will end at the end of the current month.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has terminated the participation of Abuja-based Sporting Supreme Football Club in the ongoing 2025/2026 season following the club’s failure to honour two consecutive fixtures.

Sporting Supreme were absent for their scheduled matches against Jigawa Golden Stars of Dutse and Ranches Bees of Kaduna, an action the league said contravenes several provisions of its regulations, including Articles 31, 7, 14.9.1, 14.10 and 14.11.

As a result of the infractions, the NNL has imposed a ₦10 million fine on the club. In addition, all matches involving Sporting Supreme this season have been cancelled, with points scored for and against the club completely annulled.

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The league further handed down a five-year ban on Sporting Supreme and its management, barring them from all NNL activities throughout the duration of the sanction.

Sporting Supreme becomes the second club to be expelled from the league this season, following the earlier removal of Dakkada FC from the 2025/2026 campaign.

NNL Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, said the sanctions were justified, stressing that the club’s conduct “brings disrepute to the league.”

He added that the NNL operates as a professional league and will not hesitate to enforce its rules against any club that fails to comply.

k deal, Africa’s leading sports betting and gaming brand, betPawa, has partnered with the Nigeria National League (NNL) in a one-year sponsorship worth  ₦494 million, introducing the innovative Locker Room Bonus — a first-of-its-kind system that rewards players directly for every victory.

Unlike traditional sponsorships that rarely trickle down to players, this initiative puts athletes at the centre.

With an automated digital platform that tracks and verifies line-ups, every winning player in the NNL will receive ₦56,000 directly into their mobile money wallets within minutes of the final whistle. In addition, the league itself will earn ₦400,000 for every match played each weekend — a dual boost for both players and the NNL.

Explaining the innovation, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR at betPawa, said: “We’re not just handing out cash, we’re building a system that lifts Nigerian football to the next level. This platform gives players the respect they deserve for every hard-fought victory — no delays, no drama.”

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NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, welcomed the initiative, stressing its potential to retain talent in the domestic league.

 “One of my major concerns has been how to keep our best players in the league. This is the way forward, and it will reflect positively on the growth of the game in Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, NNL Chairman, George Aluo, also hailed the partnership, commending the NFF leadership for prioritizing grassroots football. He noted the impressive performance of NNL clubs, many of which have earned promotion to the NPFL in recent years.

Director-General of the National Institute of Sports , Philip Shaibu, described the deal as a morale booster for players.

 “This partnership will ginger the players to give their best and have a ricocheting effect on the league and the overall development of the game,” he said.

Beyond gaming, betPawa reiterated its commitment to driving positive change in African sports through innovative sponsorship models and CSR projects. The company says its long-term vision is to help professionalize sports across the continent.

Delta State University of Science and Technology Stadium, Ozoro will now host the two games of Matchday 3 of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Playoff taking place in Delta State.

The stadium previously known as  Delta State Polytechnic Stadium, Ozoro will host the Conference A tie between Barau FC and Doma FC and, the Conference B encounter between Osun United and Kun Khalifa FC on Thursday by 10am and 1pm respectively.

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NNL Chairman George Aluo who led a team on the inspection of the facility disclosed that the Ozoro Stadium will replace Jay Jay Okocha Stadium following its poor surface as the venue for the following matches; Barau FC versus Doma FC and, Osun United against Kun Khalifa FC while the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba still remain the venue for Wikki Tourists FC and Yobe Stars FC as well as Warri Wolves against Crown FC

The matches will now kick-off at 10am and 1pm respectively.

The last set of games in both conferences will hold simultaneously as the NNL leadership pushes for fairness and level playing field in the race for promotion into the Nigeria Football Premier League.

Top two teams from each conferences will qualify and pick their tickets to the elite division directly while the winner of each conferences will on Saturday clash in the final to determine the champion of the 2024-2025 NNL.

The Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, has reaffirmed  the league body’s resolve to ensure  level playing field  for  participating teams at the ongoing NNL Super 8 Playoff .

The battle for promotion to NPFL from the NNL began on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State with four matches already decided.

Referees that handled the four matches have been receiving plaudits from different quarters for good officiating of the four games played thus far.

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With four matches played, the NNL boss promised that the referees will not lower their guard, pointing out that they know what is at stake and cannot compromise.

He said that the NNL board made all the necessary arrangements to ensure a hitch free and seamless eight-day competition which will produce the four clubs that will go on to play in the top tier, NPFL come next season.

Aluo who said that the eight participating teams got through to the Super 8 Playoff on merit and all have a fighting chance to secure NPFL qualification maintained that none of them will be frustrated through unfair officiating

The NNL boss thanked the Delta State Government and governor Sheriff Oborevwori for accepting to host the Super 8 Playoff.

The journalist cum administrator whose tenure was extended by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last Thursday also thanked NFF led by Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the opportunity to serve for another tenure in the second tier of Nigerian club football.

The Nigerian National League (NNL) has announced the appointment of Olumide Ajibolade, Head Coach of Beyond Limits Football Club, Remo, Ogun State, as the Chairman of the Technical Study Team for the upcoming NNL Super 8 tournament.

Ajibolade will be joined by Okechukwu Ejeh, Head Coach of Abia Comets FC, Umuahia, and Aminu Musa, Head Coach of FC Basira, Lafia, who will serve as supporting members of the team.

According to NNL Chairman George Aluo, the trio has been tasked with analysing all matches played during the Super Eight and compiling a comprehensive Technical Report. This report will be presented and discussed at the NNL Pre-Season Seminar, scheduled ahead of the 2025/2026 season.

 “We carefully identified these coaches based on their outstanding performance during the regular season. Their technical insights will be valuable to all clubs ahead of the new campaign,” Aluo said. “This initiative aligns with international standards, and as the most important league in the country, the NNL is committed to adopting best practices.”

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The technical study initiative is part of broader efforts by the NNL to improve coaching standards, match analysis, and overall club development in Nigeria’s second-tier football league.

The NNL Super Eight will run from July 5 to July 12 in Asaba, Delta State.

 The week-long tournament will feature the top eight teams competing for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Participating teams include:

    •    Doma FC

    •    Wikki Tourists

    •    Barau FC

    •    Yobe Desert Stars

    •    Kun Khalifa FC

    •    Warri Wolves

    •    Crown FC

    •    Osun United

The Chairman of the Nigerian  National League (NNL) Board, George Aluo, has commended the standard of  the just concluded 2024/ 2025 regular season which climaxed over the weekend with the emergence of  the eight teams for the Super 8 play off.

”I’m so excited that the regular season which kicked off with lots of excitement  has ended on a high,” an excited Aluo said after watching one of the last games of the regular season. “The reports  across all the venues in terms of standard of play, officiating and fans conducts are quite inspiring and commendable. 

“Although it’s not a perfect league  of our dream yet, we are all happy that it has moved to another level where teams win at away and losing teams accept defeat  without skirmishes. I must commend the maturity  of our players, coaches and the fans for raising the bars of our second tier League.  We are making steady progress and by God’s grace we shall get to the promised land where only the best will emerge as victors and champions.”

He also commended the  performance of the eight  teams that qualified for the Super 8, declaring that  it  is a sign of good things to come in the play off.

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“I must say a big congratulations  to the 8 teams that emerged for the play off. The cutting edge competition, zeal and high standard that characterized the regular season is a strong indication that our league  has really come of age. While it is still work in progress, we have shown that with the right attitude, determination and collective resolve, nothing is impossible. We have indeed  made tremendous progress and it can only get better.”

Aluo said the venue and exact date of the Super 8 play-off would be announced next week by the league board even as noted the eight qualified teams would be given a cool off period.

 “Agreed clubs in Conferences C and D finished some weeks back, those in A and B would be given a very short time to rest before getting back to action in the Super 8. By next week we would be announcing the exact date and venue for the play off,” Aluo stated.

Osun United, Crown FC, Kun Khalifa FC, Warri Wolves, Barau FC, Doma FC, Yobe Desert Stars and Wikki Tourists have all qualified for the Super 8 Play off to determine the 4 teams that will be promoted to the Premier League.