Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced that the 2025/2026 season will commence in October 2025. The decision was made during a strategic board meeting held last Friday at the VIP Lounge of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State. Additionally, the Board has scheduled the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the last week of August 2025, as part of its preparatory plans for the upcoming season.
This high-profile meeting was a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s second-tier football league, as it reviewed the recently concluded 2024/2025 season and established a framework to build on its recent successes.
The Board expressed its gratitude 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.
In a show of solidarity, the Board congratulated Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on his recent elevation as President of the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This appointment was hailed as a well-deserved recognition of his leadership in regional football.
Furthermore, the Board acknowledged the decision of the NFF Executive Committee to extend the tenure of the current NNL leadership, reaffirming its unwavering loyalty to the Federation. The Board pledged to continue aligning with reforms aimed at professionalising Nigerian football and enhancing the league’s reputation as a key player in domestic talent development.
Key sponsors and partners were also recognised for their invaluable support. Notable mentions include Prostar Recreational Services Ltd, Sportlight Hub Ltd, Sofascore, and Monimichelle.
Hon. Kunle Soname received special recognition for hosting the pre-season workshop and seminar that contributed to a productive season.
The Nigeria National League Clubs Owners Association (NALCOMA) was commended for its collaborative spirit and discipline throughout the 2024/2025 season, with the Board urging for even deeper cooperation in future campaigns.
In recognition of improved officiating standards, the Board praised the Nigeria Referees Association and the NFF Referees Appointment Committee for their role in enhancing match officiating credibility.
Looking to the future, the Board announced plans to establish a Constitution Review Committee tasked with assessing and revising critical articles in the league’s Rules and Regulations, with the aim of improving governance and operational efficiency.
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 fiercely competitive season. The clubs are Wikki Tourists FC, Barau FC, Warri Wolves FC and Kun Khalifat FC
Conversely, eight clubs were relegated from the NNL to the lower division after struggling throughout the season. These clubs 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 draws to a close, the NNL Board reiterated its commitment to continuous improvement, strategic stakeholder engagement, and alignment with global standards to enhance the league’s competitiveness and commercial viability.
