NNL Chairman Promises Improved Second Stanza of the Season

The Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, has assured stakeholders that the league’s management is committed to delivering a smoother and more competitive second stanza of the season.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the 2025 Next Level Scouting event, held at the Turf Arena, Aluo emphasized the league’s dedication to maintaining high standards. The scouting event, organized in partnership with USYAK Academy, drew over 10 international scouts eager to discover emerging football talents.

Aluo acknowledged the success of the first stanza but warned that the second phase would be tougher due to increased competition and desperation among clubs.

“We know the second stanza will be more difficult because desperation sets in. That’s why we need to closely monitor matches, ensuring officiating remains as fair and transparent as it was in the first phase. Clubs that deserve to win should win, whether playing at home or away.”

He also highlighted the league’s broadcast plans and infrastructure upgrades:

“Like in the first stanza, all our matches will be live on television and streaming platforms. We also want to improve match venues—some pitches are not up to standard. Clubs have until the 28th of this month to upgrade their pitches or relocate to better venues because we want matches played in TV-friendly stadiums.”

Aluo praised referees for their efforts in ensuring fair officiating and acknowledged the growing enthusiasm of fans, which he said is bringing NNL crowds close to those of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Regarding the NNL Super 8, Aluo confirmed that the venue would be announced before the league concludes.

He also expressed gratitude to the media for their role in promoting the league, assuring fans of an exciting and competitive second stanza as teams fight for promotion, survival, and a spot in the Super 8.

NNL Goalkeeper of the Month – January 2025.

Wikki Tourists’ number one shot-stopper, Utum Godswill, has officially received his Best Goalkeeper of the Month award for January 2025.

NNL Chairman, Mr. George Aluo, presented the award today at the league secretariat in Abuja, urging Utum to keep up his outstanding performances and aim for more accolades in the future.

Due to club commitments, Utum couldn’t attend the initial ceremony in January, but today, he finally gets his well-deserved recognition.

By Ikenna Nwokedi

The Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) have eulogized the Nigeria National League (NNL) leadership for accepting her request for extension of the second stanza of the league for a fortnight.

According to NALCOMA President, Godwin Enakhena, the request was based on matters ranging from complaints about paucity of funds by some NNL clubs as well as administration and organization of the league.

The NALCOMA boss in a chat with sports reporters disclosed that in a meeting of the association attended by all 36 clubs in the NNL, the seriousness of what some of the clubs were going through dawned on her members who realized that if the resumption date wasn’t moved forward, the league maybe thrown into chaos as teams may not honour league games with the implications being that some teams will be expelled from the league and teams they’ve played before that defeated them will lose points gained amounting to chaos.

Enakhena cited a case where 1472 Football Club of Lagos who have not honoured two away games, and missing one more will mean expulsion from the league thereby throwing the Conference A into total pandemonium.

The top football administrator also revealed that about 22 NNL clubs are participating in the ongoing 2025 President Federation Cup this Wednesday and Thursday while it will be difficult for them to play the league next day which is Friday.

He informed that as President of NALCOMA, he interacted with most of the teams to feel their pulse but assured football followers that NNL teams are ready for the league but however, needed these few days to put their houses in order for better participation and performance.

NNL Shifts Commencement Date Of Second Stanza By Two Weeks

The Nigeria National League( NNL) has shifted the start of the Second half of the 2024/2025 season to now commence on the first week of April, 2025(That is the 4th, 5th and 6th of April) and no more from Friday 21st March,as earlier announced.

Circular to this effect have already been sent to all clubs and state FA’S concerned .

Consequently, while the Islamic Ramadan Fasting periods elapses at the end of March, 2025 the NNL is wishing all Muslim faithfuls success towards completion of the fasting and best of Sallah celebrations ahead.

Chief Operating Officer of NNL ,Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman has extended his regrets for the inconveniences this may have caused the clubs.

Domestic football action in Nigeria’s second -tier league, the Nigeria National League (NNL), is set to resume for the second stanza of the 2024/2025 season with highly anticipated fixtures.

As the most competitive league in the country, the 36 clubs will battle fiercely—some aiming for a prestigious spot in the Super 8, others fighting to maintain their league status, while some will be desperate to escape relegation.

With the Open Transfer Window allowing teams to reinforce their squads, the competition promises to be even more intense in this second half of the season. Crown FC Ogbomosho, Khun-Khalifat FC, Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, and Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu currently lead their respective conferences, but they will face fierce opposition as the race for glory intensifies.

Beyond player acquisitions, tactical shifts will also shape the season’s outcome. Several clubs have made bold coaching changes—Solution FC parted ways with Emmanuel Deutch, Gombe United bid farewell to Bala Nikyu, Barau FC moved on from Salisu Yussuf, Gabriel Ezema left Inter Lagos.

Kada Warriors and ABS have also undergone managerial overhauls. With Encho Anthony now leading ABS and Danlami Kwasau Umar the new coach in Kada Warriors, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the league’s final stretch.

As the NNL returns with a bang, fans can expect nothing less than intense football, tactical masterstrokes, and a battle for supremacy in Nigeria’s most unpredictable league.

Joy In NNL ,As Dr.Abdulrahaman Turns A Year Older*

It is a great thing of joy to note that the mood in the Nigeria National League (NNL) is that of joy and happiness.

Please join us ,as we celebrate our legendary Chief Operating Officer (COO),of the Paramount domestic football league in Nigeria,Dr. Abdulrahaman as he marks his birthday today Tuesday ,March 2025.

Dr .Abdulrahaman who has a PHD In Sports Management , is also Vice-Chairman NAPHER -SD ,Abuja branch and board member and Technical Committe chairnan,of the Nigeria Youth Football League .

Dr.Abdulrahaman we can also recall was among the first set of staff ,Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ,the pioneer Executive Secretary Nigeria National League (NNL) and had stinct as erstwhile Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).

We are proud of his constant, work , mentorship ; support and expertise at the NNL.

Our heart touching wishes to you as you clock another circle of new life,it will be a great new beginning indeed.

We wish you the very best life can offer.

Plenty cheers on this auspicious occasion of your birthday .

Congratultions!

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has entered its mid-season break and is set to resume for the second stanza of the 2024/2025 season from Friday, March 21, to Sunday, March 23, 2025, across its four conferences: A, B, C, and D.

The first stanza of the season concluded on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, with teams battling for top spots in their respective groups.

Conference Standings After the First Stanza. Conference A: Crown FC leads with 21 points and a +4 goal difference, followed by Warri Wolves with 20 points and a superior +7 goal difference. Smart City of Lagos holds third place with 18 points and a +5 goal difference.

Conference B: Khun-Khalifa of Owerri tops the table with 25 points and a +7 goal difference, while Osun United sits second with 22 points and an identical goal difference. Solution Football Club is in third place with 17 points.

Conference C: Wikki Tourists of Bauchi lead with 13 points and a +7 goal difference. Mighty Jets follows closely with 11 points and a +3 goal difference, while Gombe United occupies third place with 9 points.

Conference D: Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu lead with 11 points, followed by Basira FC with 10 points, and Doma United also with ten points.

The NNL transfer window is currently open and will close on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Clubs are encouraged to utilize this period to strengthen their squads before the league resumes.

The mid-season break will officially end on Thursday, March 20, 2025, with the second stanza kicking off from Friday, March 21, to Sunday, March 23, 2025.

At the end of the season, the top two teams from each conference will qualify for the prestigious NNL Super 8 Promotional Playoff, where they will compete for promotion to the top flight.

The Nigeria National League (NNL ) has moved all match Day 11 in the 2024 -2025 season meant for the weekend of (22,22 and 23 of february, 2025) forward ,for the President Cup state finals .

By the re arrangement all ten matches for Day 11 is now scheduled as follows:

Conference A.

28/02/2025.

Dakkada FC vs 1472 FC

01/03/2025

Inter Lagos FC – Warri Wolves FC.

Crown FC – Beyond Limits Football Academy 02/03/2025

.Igbajo United FC vs Edel FC

Abia Comets FC vs Smart City FC

Conference B

28/02/2025.

Madiba FC vs Khun -Khalifat FC

01/03/2025

ABS FC vs Gateway United FC

Godswill Akpabio FC vs First bank FC .

Osun United FC vs Solution FC

Rovers FC vs Sporting Lagos

News about all rearranged matches have been conveyed to all the State Football Associations and Clubs concerned .All the matches are fixed to start at 3pm.The Chief Operating Officer of the Paramount league in Nigeria ,Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman,said the shift in date became necessary to enable all clubs involved in the President Cup participate in the state finals across the federation as mandated by the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF)