By Amaechi Agbo
The Nigeria National League (NNL) has confirmed October 2025 as the official kickoff month for the 2025/2026 season, following a strategic Board meeting held on Friday, July 11, at the VIP Lounge of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State. The Board also scheduled the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the last week of August 2025, as part of its preparatory roadmap for the new campaign.
The high-level meeting marked a decisive moment for Nigeria’s second-tier football league as it reviewed the just-concluded 2024/2025 season and laid out a framework to build on its recent progress.
The Board expressed profound appreciation to Delta State Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, and the people of Delta State for their warm hospitality and sponsorship of the 2025 NNL Promotion Playoffs.
The Board also extended heartfelt congratulations to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on his recent elevation as President of the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). They described the appointment as a deserved recognition of his leadership in regional football.
Further, the Board acknowledged the decision of the NFF Executive Committee to extend the tenure of the current NNL leadership, reaffirming its unalloyed loyalty to the Federation. It pledged to continue aligning with reforms that will further professionalize Nigerian football and enhance the league’s status as the heartbeat of domestic talent development.
Key sponsors and partners were not left out of the appreciation. Organizations such as Prostar Recreational Services Ltd, Sportlight Hub Ltd, Sofascore, and Monimichelle were recognized for their crucial support. Hon. Kunle Soname was given special mention for hosting the pre-season workshop and seminar that helped shape a productive season.
The Nigeria National League Clubs Owners Association (NALCOMA) also received accolades for its collaborative spirit and discipline throughout the 2024/2025 season. The Board urged even deeper cooperation in future campaigns.
Acknowledging improved officiating standards, the Board commended the Nigeria Referees Association and the NFF Referees Appointment Committee for their role in enhancing the credibility of match officiating.
Looking ahead, the Board announced plans to constitute a Constitution Review Committee to assess and revise key articles in the league’s Rules and Regulations, aimed at improving governance and operational efficiency.
Promotions and Relegations Confirmed
As part of the meeting’s resolutions, the Board confirmed the promotion of four clubs to the elite Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a highly competitive season:
Wikki Tourists FC, Barau FC, Warri Wolves FC
and Kun Khalifat FC
Meanwhile, eight clubs have been relegated from the NNL to the lower division after struggling in the recently concluded season. These include:
Ijele FC, Igbajo United FC, 1472 FC, Abakiliki FC
Madiba FC, Gateway FC, Zamfara United FC and Adamawa United FC
As the 2024/2025 season concludes, the NNL Board reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement, strategic stakeholder engagement, and alignment with global standards to make the league more competitive and commercially viable.
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