NNL Sets Mandatory Conditions For Clubs Ahead Of 2026/27 Season

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has released a set of mandatory requirements for the 34 clubs preparing to participate in the 2026/27 season.

The conditions, contained in a memo issued to all participating clubs, are aimed at ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Club Licensing Regulations and strengthening administrative and financial standards in the second-tier league.

NNL Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, said all clubs must satisfy the stipulated requirements before they can be registered for the new season.

Under the regulations, clubs are required to provide evidence that they have no outstanding financial obligations to players and coaches relating to sign-on fees, salaries and allowances.

Clubs with unresolved debts will not be allowed to complete registration until they produce a letter from the NFF Arbitration Committee confirming that the matter has been settled.

They must also submit duly signed copies of contracts for their players and officials to the league body.

Similarly, clubs owing the NNL money arising from fines, cautions or registration fees from previous seasons must settle their debts before being cleared for the new campaign.

Another major requirement is the payment of a mandatory N20 million guarantee, which the NNL said is intended to demonstrate each club’s commitment to completing the league season.

The clubs are also expected to provide evidence of incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), details of their shareholders and a transparent ownership structure.

In addition, participating clubs must have standard home grounds that meet NNL and NFF requirements, functional dressing rooms and medical facilities, as well as valid insurance coverage for players and officials.

Clubs must also employ qualified coaches who possess the appropriate CAF coaching licences.

The NNL said registration for the 2026/27 season has commenced, warning that clubs that fail to meet the stipulated requirements before the deadline will be barred from participating.

The new season is scheduled to kick off on 31 October 2026, with four clubs — one from each conference — earning promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the end of the campaign.