The Nigeria National League (NNL) has released a list of mandatory requirements for clubs seeking to participate in the 2026/2027 league season.
The conditions are contained in a memo already issued to all 34 participating clubs.
The Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Mr. Danlami Alanana, said all clubs are expected to fully comply with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Club Licensing Regulations.
According to the memo, clubs must provide proof of non-indebtedness to players and coaches in respect of sign-on fees, salaries and allowances. Any club with outstanding financial obligations will not be permitted to register until it presents a letter from the NFF Arbitration Committee confirming that the matter has been cleared.
Clubs are also required to submit duly signed copies of players’ and officials’ contracts to the NNL.
Similarly, any club indebted to the League in respect of fines, cautions or registration fees from previous seasons will be stopped from registration until such obligations are settled.
Another key requirement is the payment of a mandatory Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000) guarantee, to demonstrate the club’s commitment to completing the league season.
Other requirements include evidence of incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), details of shareholders and a transparent ownership structure.
Clubs must also provide a standard home ground that meets NNL and NFF requirements, functional dressing rooms and medical facilities, valid insurance coverage for players and officials, as well as qualified coaches holding the appropriate CAF coaching licences.
The NNL has confirmed that registration for the new season has commenced, warning that any club that fails to meet the stipulated requirements before the cut-off date will be barred from participating in the 2026/2027 season.
The new season is scheduled to commence on 31 October 2026 and will produce four promoted teams, one from each Conference, to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
