The Nigeria National League (NNL) has confirmed October 2025 as the official kickoff month for the 2025/2026 season. The decision was made during a strategic board meeting held on Friday, July 11, at the VIP Lounge of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
As part of preparations for the new campaign, the Board also scheduled the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the last week of August 2025.
The high-level meeting served as a turning point for Nigeria’s second-tier football league, as the Board reviewed the recently concluded 2024/2025 season and set a roadmap to build on its momentum.
Acknowledgments and Appreciations
The Board expressed sincere gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, and the people of Delta State for their hospitality and sponsorship of the 2025 NNL Promotion Playoffs.
It also congratulated 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 CAF. The Board described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his leadership in regional football.
Additionally, the Board applauded the NFF Executive Committee’s decision to extend the current NNL leadership’s tenure. It reaffirmed its loyalty to the Federation and pledged alignment with ongoing reforms to further professionalize Nigerian football and reinforce the league’s role in domestic talent development.
Sponsors and Stakeholders Recognized
Key partners and sponsors were also acknowledged for their contributions throughout the season, including:
Prostar Recreational Services Ltd, Sportlight Hub Ltd, Sofascore and Monimichelle.
Special recognition was given to Hon. Kunle Soname for hosting a successful pre-season seminar that contributed to the league’s productive campaign.
The Nigeria National League Clubs Owners Association (NALCOMA) received praise for its collaborative efforts and discipline during the 2024/2025 season, with the Board encouraging even stronger synergy in the upcoming term.
Improved Officiating and Governance Reforms
Commending the progress in match officiating, the Board lauded the Nigeria Referees Association (NRF) and the NFF Referees Appointment Committee for their roles in restoring credibility to officiating standards.
Looking ahead, the NNL Board announced plans to establish a Constitution Review Committee to reassess and revise the league’s Rules and Regulations. This move aims to enhance governance and boost operational efficiency.
Promotions and Relegations Confirmed
The Board confirmed the promotion of four clubs to the elite Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), following their outstanding performance in the just-concluded NLL 2025 Playoffs:
Wikki Tourists, Barau FC, Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat FC.
In contrast, eight clubs were relegated to the lower division after a difficult season:
Ijele FC, Igbajo United, 1472 FC, Abakiliki FC Madiba FC, Gateway FC, Zamfara United and Adamawa United FC.
As the curtain falls on the 2024/2025 season, the NNL Board reaffirmed its commitment to continuous improvement, deeper stakeholder engagement, and aligning with global standards to strengthen the league’s competitiveness and commercial appeal.
