NNL: FC Basira Release 9 Players After Failing Promotion Push

Nigeria National League side FC Basira have confirmed the departure of nine players following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, as part of a squad overhaul after narrowly missing out on promotion to the top flight.

The Lafia-based club finished third in Conference C, falling short of securing a place in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and have now opted to restructure their squad ahead of the new campaign.

In an official statement issued by the club’s media officer, Ramalan Abubakar, FC Basira announced the release of Abdullahi Abdulrahman, Zamani Panshak, Mko Andrew, Zakaria Sunday and Enoch Kudu. The list also includes experienced midfielder Ichull Lordson, as well as Peter Eneji, Musa Aminu and Ishaku Faisal.

The decision signals the club’s determination to rebuild and strengthen key areas of the team after a season that promised much but ultimately ended in disappointment. Despite showing flashes of quality throughout the campaign, FC Basira were unable to maintain the consistency required to secure promotion.

Club officials have indicated that the changes are part of a broader strategy aimed at improving competitiveness and achieving their long-term objective of gaining promotion to the NPFL. The management is expected to move swiftly in the transfer market to recruit fresh talent capable of delivering results.

Supporters of the club have expressed mixed reactions to the announcement, with some acknowledging the need for change while others have paid tribute to the departing players for their contributions.

With preparations for the new season already underway, FC Basira will be keen to ensure that the restructuring process yields immediate results. The club’s ambition remains firmly fixed on reaching Nigeria’s top-tier league, and the coming months will be crucial in determining whether these bold decisions can translate into success on the pitch.