League

By Olawale Lawanson Alabi

Abuja, August 25, 2026 (www.crestnewsonline.ng) The Nigeria National League (NNL) is to implement stricter sanctions against clubs, officials and fans found culpable of violence and misconduct in the upcoming 2026/2027 season.

This was one of the league body’s resolutions at its 2025/2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on August 21 in Owerri, after extensive deliberations on the state of the competition.

The meeting which expressed serious concern regarding disciplinary cases recorded last season, most of which bordered on violence, assault of match officials and the win-at-all-cost mentality, also resolved that clubs will henceforth be held liable for their supporters’ actions.

It added that any club or supporter(s) which/who damages broadcasting or live streaming equipment shall pay for the replacement, no matter the cost of the equipment.

The NNL AGM also insisted that security at all match venues must be prioritised, and only accredited persons will be allowed access to restricted areas.

The meeting, after reviewing the 2025/2026 season and noting with satisfaction the improvements in fixture delivery, officiating, media coverage and corporate governance, went on to approve the October 31 kick-off date for the opening match only and November 7 for other week one matches.

The competition’s format will be four conferences of nine clubs for A and B, and eight clubs for C and D  for the 2026/2027 season, while two conferences of 16 clubs per conference shall be adopted in the 2027/2028 season.

Also, the AGM agreed on enhanced digital coverage, live streaming and data management in partnership with NNL’s broadcast and technical partners.

It however advocated for greater fans engagement and community relations programmes, just as it agreed that only television-friendly stadiums shall be approved for matches in the 2026/2027 season.

The AGM confirmed the promotion of four clubs to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the relegation of 10 clubs to the Nationwide League One (NLO) and the admission of eight clubs from the NLO.

The four clubs promoted to the NPFL are Doma United FC, Ranchers FC, Sporting Lagos FC and Inter Lagos FC.

The ten clubs relegated to the NLO are Gombe United FC, Sporting Supreme FC, Mighty Jets FC, City FC, Dakkada FC, Abia Comets FC, Gateway FC, First Bank FC, Osun United FC and Rovers FC.

The clubs promoted from the NLO to the NNL include Dauraman FA, Eko United FC, and either of Mighty Jets Feeders and Bida Lions, subject to the decision of the Ethics Committee of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Others are Right2Win FC, OYC FC, Neurospart FC, DMD FC and Dokka Khairu FC.(www.crestnewsonline.ng)