The Congress of the Nigerian National League (NNL) has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for his exceptional leadership in steering Nigerian football, praising his ability to foster growth, unity, and structure within the system. The Congress also acknowledged the entire NFF Board for their continuous guidance and support in making the NNL the “Most Important League in Nigeria.”

 

This was part of key resolutions adopted at the 16th NNL Annual General Meeting (AGM), which held on Tuesday, 16th September 2025, at 5th Chukker Resort Limited, Maraban Jos, Kaduna State.

 

Vote of Confidence in George Aluo-led NNL Board

 

The meeting passed a vote of explicit confidence on the NNL Board led by Chairman George Aluo, applauding their achievements and dedication to improving the standard of the league.

 

“The progress under the current leadership has been significant, and stakeholders believe the league is now positioned for even greater accomplishments,” a communiqué from the meeting stated.

 

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Key Highlights from the 2025/2026 NNL Season Plans:

 

📅 Season Kick-Off

• The 2025/2026 NNL season will officially kick off with a Star Match on Saturday, 8th November 2025.

• Week One fixtures will follow across various venues on 14th, 15th, and 16th November.

 

🏟️ League Format Overhaul

• The AGM adopted an abridged format, splitting the league into four conferences:

• Conference A

• Conference B

• Conference C

• Conference D

 

🚫 Super 8 Scrapped

• The Super 8 playoff has been abolished.

• Starting this season, only the top team in each of the four conferences will gain automatic promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

 

 

• A Super 4 tournament will be introduced at the end of the season to determine the overall NNL champion.

• Any team failing to participate in the Super 4 will lose their promotion slot, which will be handed to the second-placed club in their group.

 Only stadia that meet NNL infrastructure standards will be approved for league matches.

 All clubs are required to submit insurance documents for players and officials as part of registration.

The 2024/2025 financial and audit report was approved, alongside the 2025/2026 budget as the official working document.

Only NNL/Prostar-branded match balls will be allowed for all games. Failure to provide official match balls by the home team will attract sanctions.

The meeting closed on a high note with renewed commitment to professionalism, integrity, and growth within the league. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the reforms would deliver higher competitiveness, better talent development, and increased commercial value for the NNL.

 

The 2025/2026 season is now set to usher in a new era for Nigeria’s most crucial football development platform.