COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NIGERIA NATIONAL LEAGUE (NNL) BOARD MEETING HELD IN OWERRI, IMO STATE FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST, 2026.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 21st August, 2026 at the Auditorium of Rock View Hotel Owerri Imo State.
After extensive delibrations on the state of the League, the following resolutions were reached:  

1. The AGM expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Imo State and the entire Imo State Government for hosting the AGM and for the warm hospitality accorded all delegates.
2. The AGM also extended appreciation to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for his unwavering interest, unflinching support and continuous guidance to make NNL the Most Important League in Nigeria.
3. The Meeting reviewed the 2025/2026 season and noted with satisfaction the improvements in fixture delivery, officiating, media coverage and corporate governance. However, the meeting expressed serious concern over disciplinary cases recorded last season, most of which bordered on violence, assault of match officials and the win-at-all-cost mentality.
4. The AGM resolved that:
5. a. The NNL should implement stricter sanctions against clubs, officials and fans found culpable of violence and misconduct.
6. b. Clubs will henceforth be held vicariously liable for the actions of their supporters.
7. c. That any Club or Supporters that damaged the broadcasting or Live Streaming equipments shall pay for the replacement no matter the cost of the equipment.
8. d. Security at all match venues must be prioritized, and only accredited persons will be allowed access to restricted areas.
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10. 5. The AGM approved the kick-off date of 31st October, 2026 for opening match only, while other week one matches shall commence on 7th November, 2026.
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12. 6. The League format of four (4) conferences of 9 clubs for Conferences A and B, and 8 Clubs for conferences C and D  was approved for the 2026/2027 League. To this end, the AGM agreed that two conferences of 16 Clubs per conference shall be adopted in the 2027/2028 League season.
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14. 7. The AGM agreed for enhanced digital coverage, Live Steaming and data Management in partnership with our broadcast and technical partners, also advocated for greater fans engagement and community relations programs.
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16. 8. The AGM confirmed the promotion of four (4)clubs to the NPFL and the relegation of 10 clubs to Nation Wide League 1 and the admission of 8 clubs from the NLO 1 in this order:
17. Promoted four Clubs to the NPFL:
18. Doma Utd FC
19. Ranchers FC
20. Sporting Lagos FC
21. Inter Lagos FC
    Relegated ten Clubs to NLO1:
    i. Gombe Utd FC
    ii. Sporting Supreme FC
    iii. Mighty Jets FC
    iv. City FC
    v. Dakkada FC
    vi. Abia Comets FC
    vii. Gateway FC
    viii. First Bank FC
    ix. Osun Utd FC
    x. Rovers FC
    Promoted Clubs from NLO 1 to NNL:
    i. Dauraman FA
    ii. Eko Utd FC
    iii. Mighty Jets Feeders/Bida Lions (Subject to NFF Ethic Committee Decision)
    iv. Right2Win FC
    v. OYC FC
    vi. Neurospart FC
    vii. DMD FC
    viii. Dokka Khairu FC
22. The AGM applauded the composition of the new Executive of NALCOMA, while seeking for collaboration with the Board of the Nigeria National League in order to solidify the gains of the League in the previous years.
23. The meeting agreed that only television friendly stadiums shall be approved for League matches in the 2026/2027 League season.
24. The NNL Annual General Meeting approved and adopted the financial report and the 2025/2026 audited report of the Nigeria National League, and the budget for 2026/2027 League season as a working document.
25. The Meeting passed a vote of confidence on George Aluo led Board, and commended them for the achievements recorded since coming on board.
    Signed:
    Communiqué Drafting Committee:
    i. Dr. Donald Ikpe – Chairman
    ii. Michael Onwuzulike – Member
    iii. Mr. Nicholas Akujobi – Secretary