May 2025

NNL announces final match dates for Conferences C and D, insists on tight security at all venues

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NNL announces final match dates for Conferences C and D, insists on tight security at all venues

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced the final round of matches—Matchday 14—for the ongoing 2024/2025 season in Conferences C and D, with all games scheduled to hold simultaneously in their respective conferences.

In an official circular released by the League body, the Chairman, Board Members, Management, and Staff of the NNL extended warm regards to all stakeholders and issued a reminder to participating clubs regarding the scheduled fixtures.

According to the update:
• Conference D matches are set for Saturday, May 17, 2025, and will kick off at 3:00 PM across all designated venues.
• Conference C matches will follow on Sunday, May 18, 2025, also kicking off at 3:00 PM.

As these are the final matches in the group phase of the season, the NNL has directed host State Football Associations to ensure full compliance with security protocols and put in place adequate logistics to guarantee the smooth and safe execution of all fixtures.

The NNL further noted that this latest directive supersedes any previous correspondence, including the earlier circulated “Circular 219,” and urged all concerned to take note of the new official match schedule.

The outcomes of these final games will determine promotion contenders and final standings within the two conferences, making them crucial for clubs and fans alike.

NNL Official Football Partners with Prostar Aeromax click the link below to order your high Quality Prostar Ball: https://wa.me/2347089042799

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NNL Chairman Vows to Uphold Integrity, Ensure Only Best Teams Advance to NPFL

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NNL Chairman Vows to Uphold Integrity, Ensure Only Best Teams Advance to NPFL

The Chairman of the Nigerian National League (NNL), George Aluo, has reaffirmed his board’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the league, emphasizing that only the most deserving teams will progress to the Super Eight and ultimately gain promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Speaking with confidence, Aluo stated that the current NNL leadership is focused on aligning its operations with international best practices and will not be swayed by external pressures or influences.

“We have maintained a high level of integrity since we came on board, and we are very determined to reposition the league, which is very evident in the performance of the teams we promoted last season to the NPFL,” Aluo declared. “We would continue to do our best to ensure that same is replicated this season.”

The NNL Chairman also extended his gratitude to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, for his continuous support. He assured stakeholders and fans that the NNL is on course to becoming the best-managed football league in the country.

Aluo’s remarks come as the league enters a crucial phase, with teams battling for a place in the prestigious Super Eight tournament — the gateway to top-tier football in Nigeria.

NNL Official Football Partners with Prostar Aeromax click the link below to order your high Quality Prostar Ball: https://wa.me/2347089042799

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Egypt 2025: Bring the trophy home, Gusau tasks Flying Eagles, congratulations team for reaching semifinals

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Photo: NFF President Ibrahim Gusau (left) and Flying Eagles coach Zubair.

“The ticket to the World Cup was the first objective and we have achieved that. The second objective is to win the trophy, and after congratulating the team for their effort, I have reminded them that the country is waiting for them to bring the trophy back home.”

These words above were that of the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau after the Flying Eagles flew past Senegal today in Egypt to land in the semi final of AFCON U-20.

With the victory over the defending champions, Nigeria became the first African country to qualify for 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup finals.

A battling encounter at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia finished scoreless even after extra time, and the encounter had to be settled after penalty shootout in Egypt’s third city.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt turned out to be the hero, punching over a vicious shot by the dangerous Ibrahima Dieng in the the 54th minute, and then saving two kicks in the shootout before Ousmane Konate blasted his kick against the sticks to hand victory to the Flying Eagles.

An intense opening stage in sunny Ismailia soon gave way to back-and-forth, and the defending champions came close in the 27th minute when Harcourt inadvertently dropped the ball but Dieng failed to find gold. Fifteen minutes later, the Lion Cubs again broke forward, but Dieng’s header saw the ball kiss the upright.

Nigeria largely controlled proceedings in the last quarter-hour, with Divine Oliseh, Kparobo Arierhi and substitute Precious Benjamin all missing good chances.

In extra time, substitute Tahir Maigana rattled Senegal goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho with a great shot from distance, and Israel Ayuma’s heaved effort from a free-kick on the left forced Sissokho to backtrack quickly and punch the ball over the bar.

After substitute Pierre Diatta Dorival’s first kick in the shootout was saved by Harcourt and Precious Benjamin scored, Nigeria rose to the ascendancy, and won after further goals by Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma, while the Senegalese could only score one of their four kicks.

Victory sets the Flying Eagles up against the winner of Monday night’s clash between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, also at the same venue.

NNL Official Football Partners with Prostar Aeromax click the link below to order your high Quality Prostar Ball: https://wa.me/2347089042799

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Abia Comets FC Suffer 1-0 Defeat In Lagos

Abia Comets FC Suffer 1-0 Defeat In Lagos

Abia Comets Football Club of Umuahia suffered its third defeat of the 2024/25 NNL season, following hard-fought 1-0 loss to Inter Lagos FC on Monday in a Southern Conference A Matchday 17 encounter.

The clash which took place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena Lagos, saw the Comets Boys start the game brilliantly in the first 34th minutes after Okechukwu Chukwu and Chinaza Miracle both came close to open the scoring for the Comets Boys but were denied by the host goalkeeper.

The host were awarded a penalty in the 45+2nd minute but a brilliant save by Sunday Odoani denied them a goal as the first half ended goalless.

At the restart, Inter Lagos made a breakthrough as they took the lead in the 65th minute.

Comets came close to equalize in the 88th minute when Nurudeen Adebosi’s close strike was cleared of the line by Inter Lagos FC defender to ensure that the game ended 1-0 in favour of the Lagos based side.

Abia Comets will now turn attention to the next game against Ijele FC in an Oriental Derby on Saturday, May 17, at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

Emmanuel Chinedu
Media Officer

NNL Official Football Partners with Prostar Aeromax click the link below to order your high Quality Prostar Ball: https://wa.me/2347089042799

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Flying Eagles land in AFCON U-20 Semi final…qualify for World Cup

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The Flying Eagles are through to the semi final of AFCON U-20 after bundling out defending champions Senegal.

The team has in the process also qualified for the big one-the FIFA U 2O World Cup billed for later this year in Chile.

Flying Eagles did the job in a hard way winning 4-1 on penalties after full and extra time ended goalless.

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Yobe Desert Stars Set for Decisive Clash Against Basira FC in Final match of Group D conference Fixture.

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Yobe Desert Stars fc are confident of victory as they prepare to host Basira fc of Lafia, Nasarawa State next week in their final Group D match of the ongoing NNL 2024/25 season. With 17 points from 11 matches, the Desert Stars fc sit just behind Doma United fc of Gombe, who top the group with 19 points after completing their campaign last week in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State a distant location in far Northwestern Nigeria. Basira fc, meanwhile, are coming off a home defeat to Sporting Supreme in Lafia Township, adding more urgency to their upcoming fixtu.

The Chairman of Yobe Desert Stars fc, Mohammed Alkali Achama Sarkiyo (S10 Z10), has expressed strong confidence in the team’s ability to secure all three points and book a place in the upcoming NNL 2024/25 Super Eight, which will feature the top eight teams from both the Northern and Southern Conferences. We’ve been consistent since the start of the season, and I believe we will beat Basira fc to qualify. All departments of the team are performing well, Sarkiyo said. He also credited the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni for the club achievements, stating, Without the unwavering support of Governor Buni, we wouldn’t have come this far.

Team captain Chinedu Zaza and his teammates are equally fired up for the encounter. Speaking ahead of the match, Chinedu said the players are eager to take control and dominate Basira fc at the August 27th Stadium in Damaturu. This stadium has been our slaughter ground this summer. Given our performance at home, there’s no doubt we will collect the three points and proceed to the Super Eight, he stated confidently.

Alhaji Ali Mellah
Media Manager YBDS FC

Yobe Desert Stars Set for Decisive Clash Against Basira FC in Final match of Group D conference Fixture. Read More »

Wikki Tourists Remain Top of the Table Despite 2-1 Loss to Barau FC

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Wikki Tourists Remain Top of the Table Despite 2-1 Loss to Barau FC

Wikki Tourists FC may have suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Barau FC of Kano in a Match Day 13 clash of the 2025 NNL Conference C, but the Bauchi based side still maintains its lead at the top of the table with 20 points.

The high stakes encounter, played at the Dambatta Township Stadium, was action packed from start to finish. Barau FC opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Adamu Ibrahim capitalized on a free header from a corner kick to put the home side in front.

However, the lead was short lived. Just five minutes later, Wikki Tourists’ prolific forward Wonderson Yakubu leveled the scores with a brilliant solo effort, beating the Barau defence before calmly slotting past the keeper to make it 1-1 going into halftime.

Shortly after the restart, Barau FC were awarded a quick penalty in the 48th minute. Saidu Salisu made no mistake from the spot, restoring Barau’s lead and putting pressure back on the league leaders.

Despite Wikki Tourists dominating possession and dictating the pace in the closing stages, they couldn’t find the equalizer as Barau held on for the crucial three points. After four minutes of stoppage time, the referee’s whistle confirmed the 2-1 win for the home side.

Post-Match Reactions:

Wikki Tourists head coach Abdu Maikaba expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the loss.

“I’m glad that we lost gallantly. Nobody can say we didn’t play well,my boys did their best, and I must commend them,” Maikaba said.

Looking ahead, Maikaba remains optimistic about their promotion hopes.

“We are still topping the group. Our performance this season has been great and we want to continue this momentum until we achieve our ultimate goal, a slot in the Nigeria Premier Football League, In sha Allah.”

Wikki Tourists now shift focus to the final game of the season, facing Zamfara United next weekend in Bauchi,a big encounter as the push for the Super Eight intensifies.

WTFC Media

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NNL Chairman, Aluo Commend Referees’ Performance, Gives Kudos To NFF President’s Monitoring Team

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NNL Chairman, Aluo commend referees’ performance, gives kudos to NFF President’s monitoring team

Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL), Mr. George Aluo has commended referees that handled this weekend matches of the country’s second tier league for their professionalism and fair officiating which helped in producing good results in the various match venues across the country.

According to him their excellent performance saw teams winning on the road which has helped in building confidence in the league and charged them to maintain the momentum as the 2024/2025 League Season is gradually winding up; positing that their performance will help in producing champions which the country will be proud of.

“I want to commend our referees for doing a good job this weekend. They really handled all the matches professionally without fear or favour. Their unbiased officiating made it possible for Sporting Supreme to record a 3-2 away victory against Basira FC while Sporting Lagos beat Abakaliki FC 3-2 on the road with Ijele FC losing at home by 0-2 to Smart City.
“What this shows is that teams can now prepare well ahead of their matches knowing that once they play well, the host team will not get any undue advantage from match officials and I urge our referees to maintain the momentum,” he said.

Aluo also commended the monitoring team set up by the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau for being alive to their responsibilities, noting that their presence went a long way in making the referees perform well.

“It’s equally important that I commend the NFF monitoring team for a job well done. Their presence in match venues, made the referees to be careful in their officiating because they know that any misbehaviour will attract heavy sanction from the football house,” the NNL boss concluded.

NNL Official Football Partners with Prostar Aeromax click the link below to order your high Quality Prostar Ball: https://wa.me/2347089042799

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God’stime Strikes Early as Sokoto United Edge Gombe United in Crucial NNL Clash

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God’stime Strikes Early as Sokoto United Edge Gombe United in Crucial NNL Clash

It was a thrilling afternoon at the Giginya Memorial Stadium in Sokoto as Sokoto United FC grabbed a vital 1-0 victory over visiting Gombe United FC in an intense Nigeria National League (NNL) Matchday 12 showdown.

The hosts wasted no time making their intentions clear, taking the lead just six minutes into the game. A corner kick sparked the action, with Gombe United’s defense clearing the initial danger but only as far as Gideon Daniel, who set up God’stime Oshoke perfectly. Without hesitation, Oshoke unleashed a stunning strike from outside the 18-yard box that sent the home crowd into a frenzy!

Gombe United responded with determination, throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer. But Sokoto United’s defense was rock solid, refusing to give an inch. Meanwhile, Sokoto kept pressing for a second goal, testing the Gombe goalkeeper several times but he stood tall to deny them.

At the final whistle, it was Sokoto United who celebrated a hard-earned 1-0 win, a result that could prove crucial in their season.

After the match, head coach Peter Ajeni credited the win to the team’s grit and focus.

“I want to thank Almighty God for this important win,” Ajeni said with pride. “This was a must-win for us to stay clear of the relegation zone, and the boys delivered. Now we’re back in third place and keeping our Super 8 hopes alive that’s our ticket to the Nigeria Premier League!”

But it’s not over yet. Sokoto United’s final league match against Jigawa FC and the result of Barau FC’s upcoming clash with Jigawa Golden Stars on May 18 will determine whether the team makes it to the coveted Super 8.

The dream is alive and Sokoto is not backing down.

NNL Official Football Partners with Prostar Aeromax click the link below to order your high Quality Prostar Ball: https://wa.me/2347089042799

Signed:
Abdulsalam Ibrahim Imam
Media Officer, Sokoto United FC

God’stime Strikes Early as Sokoto United Edge Gombe United in Crucial NNL Clash Read More »

FC Basira’s Super 8 Hope Hangs On A Tread

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FC Basira’s Super 8 Hope Hangs On A Tread

FC Basira’s hope of securing one of Conference D’s Super6 slots was dwelt with a significant blow after losing at home to Sporting Supreme of Abuja.

The game which was played at the Lafia City Stadium saw FC Basira dominate from the blast of the whistle thereby creating a series of chances and a brace from Ibrahim Adamu in the 6th and 37th minutes meant FC Basira were cruising in the first half.

Sporting Supreme FC however overturned the first half scores as a Njundu Ahmed sandwiched with Olamilekan Adams brace secured an unlikely victory for the visitors in Lafia.

With the result FC Basira remains third on the Log with sixteen points and will have to secure a victory in Damaturu against Yobe Desert Stars on the final day to stand a chance of making it to the NNL play offs.

FC BASIRA LINE-UP: Victor Elias, Ifeanyi Eze, Kim Pwajok, Chigozie Ani(Emmanuel Iliya 26′), Ebuka Ekesi, Wilson Chia(Timothy Sule 65′), Adamu Mohammed(Chiemerie Mathew 65′), Usman Usman(Isma’il Kana 67′), Ibrahim Adamu(Isaac Yakubu 67′), Mamuda Mohammed, Sunday Aluku

UNUSED SUB: Silas Panshak, Jibrin Kaura, Onyegbu Charles, Suleiman Ibrahim

Ramalan Abubakar
Media Officer, FC Basira

NNL Official Football Partners with Prostar Aeromax click the link below to order your high Quality Prostar Ball: https://wa.me/2347089042799

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