Abia Comets Football Club of Umuahia has acknowledged the outcome of the Nigeria National League (NNL) draw, which placed the team in the Southern Conference A for the upcoming 2025/2026 season.

 

The draw, held during the NNL Annual General Meeting in Kaduna on Tuesday, comes alongside a major structural reform in the league: the abolition of the Super Eight playoff system. Under the new format, only the top team from each of the four conferences will earn direct promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

 

“This change raises the stakes, but also offers a clearer and fairer path to the topflight,” the club said in a statement.

 

Season Kicks Off November 8

 

Abia Comets will begin their campaign on November 8 with a home fixture against Lagos-based side Smart City FC. The club will also host Beyond Limits FA of Ikenne in its second home game, setting the tone for a challenging start to the season.

 

Southern Conference A Clubs:

1. Abia Comets FC

2. Sunshine Stars FC

3. Inter Lagos FC

4. Smart City FC

5. Godswill Akpabio United FC

6. Heartland FC

7. E-World United FC

8. Beyond Limits FA

 

With only one promotion ticket up for grabs, competition in Conference A is expected to be fierce, featuring seasoned teams like Sunshine Stars and Heartland FC, alongside ambitious upstarts.

 

Comets Confident Ahead of Campaign

 

Despite the high level of competition, Abia Comets FC expressed confidence in its squad, highlighting the technical depth of its coaching staff and the unwavering support of fans in Umuahia.

 

“We remain confident in the quality of our squad, the technical depth of our coaching crew, and the passion of our fans. We are fully committed to striving for a successful NNL season,” the club stated.

 

With a clear objective in sight and the backing of a proud footballing community, Abia Comets FC will look to start strong and maintain momentum as they chase promotion to the NPFL.

 

The countdown to kick-off has begun, and all eyes in Umuahia will be on the Comets Boys as they embark on this crucial journey.