In a major step towards professionalizing grassroots football in Nigeria, the Nationwide League One (NLO) successfully hosted its 2025 Club Management Workshop virtually, attracting over 100 club administrators, coaches, and managers from across the country. The event, led by Shola Ogunnowo, provided deep insights into critical aspects of player transfers, financial management, leadership, and modern football operations.

The workshop kicked off with an overview of the objectives, emphasizing the importance of understanding player transfer regulations, both domestic and international. Participants received in-depth explanations on the differences between Domestic Transfer Certificates (DTC) and International Transfer Certificates (ITC), as well as the distinctions between amateur and professional player statuses. Nasr Jibril highlighted that while professional players require clearly defined contracts, amateur players over the age of 15 can legally sign professional contracts in Nigeria. He also reminded clubs that professional players cannot feature in amateur competitions.

One of the key issues discussed was the FIFA Connect registration system, which enables clubs to properly track player history and eligibility. Participants were advised to register their players using this system to benefit from potential solidarity and training compensations when players move abroad. “Every player must be registered with FIFA Connect if a club wants to benefit from any compensation,” Ogunnowo emphasized, pointing attendees to Damola (080-545-458-5836) as the contact person for registration guidance.

Amateur players, it was revealed, can transfer between clubs without transfer fees, but their previous clubs may still retain rights to future compensation. Training compensations can start from age 12, and players must remain at a club for at least six months to qualify. However, amateur clubs are not allowed to loan players out.

A powerful session on sports science and player welfare led by Dr. Robinson Okosun exposed the deep gaps between Nigerian football structures and global standards. Drawing from his 2014 World Cup experience, he highlighted how advanced nations like France equipped their teams with multiple physiotherapists, psychologists, and nutritionists — compared to Nigeria’s minimal support staff. He also noted the dangers of poor logistics, sharing an example where 25 players were crammed into a single bus for travel, affecting mental and physical readiness.

“Poor nutrition, delayed payments, and political interference in team selections directly impact player performance and mental well-being,” Dr. Okosun said. He urged clubs to recognize mental health as a fundamental component of athlete development.

The workshop also explored the importance of player ambition and conflict resolution. Coaches were encouraged to identify root causes of player disputes and not to give preferential treatment to any player. Effective communication, clear team rules, and emotional intelligence were emphasized as critical tools for managing egos and maintaining harmony within squads.

Financial management was another focal point of the session. Adedammy Adedotun presented a six-step budgeting framework designed to help clubs set financial objectives, forecast income, estimate costs, and implement accountability structures. He emphasized that financial stability must be the bedrock of any club aiming for long-term success.

The discussion on revenue generation identified several viable income streams for NLO clubs, including player transfer fees, match day ticket sales, merchandise, and media rights. “You don’t need to wait until your club reaches the NPFL to start generating income,” participants were told. Clubs were encouraged to explore merchandising, digital content, and community engagement strategies to build their brands and boost earnings.

In a parallel session focused on leadership and governance, Professor Abiodun Moronfolu examined different leadership models in football — from transactional approaches seen with elite club owners like Florentino Perez to transformational styles centered on developing young talent. He advocated for a balance between immediate results and long-term sustainability, urging managers to build cohesive team structures and implement digital solutions like performance analytics and data-driven training. Ms Nkechi Obi emphasized on building a strong club brands. She narrowed down on marketing and fan engagement strategies.

The workshop wrapped up with a summary of NLO participation requirements, including mandatory registration with State Football Associations, minimum club management personnel, and adherence to equipment standards such as having at least two jersey sets. Player registration will now include facial recognition technology to curb identity fraud and poaching.

Key Action Points for Clubs:
    •    Register all players using the FIFA Connect system to enable compensation claims.
    •    Follow a six-step budgeting process to ensure financial discipline and sustainability.
    •    Implement revenue strategies including ticket sales, merchandising, and digital content.
    •    Invest in mental health and welfare support systems for players.
    •    Avoid political interference in team selection and uphold merit-based practices.
    •    Embrace data analytics and modern training methods to improve player performance.
    •    Properly constitute management teams and comply with NLO’s operational guidelines.

This professional development workshop marks a transformative moment for Nigeria’s lower league football system. With renewed emphasis on global best practices, regulatory compliance, and holistic player management, the NLO is clearly laying a stronger foundation for the future of football development in the country.