In a groundbreaking reform aimed at improving fairness and transparency, the Nigeria National League (NNL) has officially abolished its long-standing Super 8 playoff format. The decision, which takes effect from the upcoming 2025/2026 season, will now see the top four teams from each of the league’s four conferences earn automatic promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

 

The move was unanimously adopted by club owners and stakeholders during the 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NNL held on Tuesday in Kaduna. It marks a major structural shift in Nigeria’s second-tier football and is seen as a bold step toward aligning the league with global best practices.

 

“This decision reflects the collective will of stakeholders to prioritize merit and consistency,” an NNL executive stated. “It provides clubs with a clearer, more transparent path to top-flight football while eliminating the chaos and controversy of playoffs.”

Previously, teams had to navigate the often controversial and logistically demanding Super 8 playoff system to secure promotion. By removing this, the NNL leadership say clubs will now focus on long-term planning, consistency, and development throughout the regular season.

Football analysts and club officials have praised the reform, noting it will also ease the financial burden on clubs that previously had to spend heavily on travel and logistics during the postseason playoff rounds.

 

“This brings stability to the league and helps clubs channel resources into performance rather than playoff uncertainties,” noted one analyst.

The NNL also confirmed that the 2025/2026 season will officially kick off on November 8, 2025, with all 36 participating clubs expected to meet licensing and player registration requirements ahead of the opening fixtures.

 

The league’s leadership promised fans an exciting, better-organized season, with renewed focus on grassroots development, professionalism, and competitive football.

 

“We are building a stronger foundation for Nigerian football. Fans can expect improved quality and organization this season,” the NNL assured in a statement.

📋 Proposed Groupings for the 2025/2026 NNL Season

 

🟦 Conference A

1. Abia Comets FC

2. Beyond Limits FA

3. Crown FC

4. Edel FC

5. E-World Utd FC

6. Inter Lagos FC

7. Sunshine Stars FC

8. Heartland FC

9. Godswill Akpabio Utd FC

10. Smart City FC

 

🟩 Conference B

1. Akwa Utd FC

2. Abakaliki FC

3. Ekiti Utd FC

4. Dakkada FC

5. Sporting Lagos FC

6. Osun Utd FC

7. First Bank FC

8. Stormers SC

9. Rovers FC

10. Solution FC

 

🟨 Conference C

1. ABS FC

2. FC Basira

3. Doma Utd FC

4. Lobi Stars FC

5. City FC

6. Kada Warriors FC

7. Mighty Jets FC

8. Sokoto Utd FC

 

🟥 Conference D

1. Bichi First FC

2. Jigawa Golden Stars FC

3. Ranchers Bees FC

4. Adamawa Utd FC

5. Sporting Supreme FC

6. Gombe Utd FC

7. Kebbi Utd FC

8. Yobe Desert Stars 

With the top four clubs from each conference now guaranteed automatic NPFL promotion, the upcoming NNL season promises to be one of the most competitive and high-stakes campaigns in recent memory.