NNL sets mandatory requirements for 2026/27 season
The Nigeria National League (NNL) has released a list of mandatory requirements for the 34 clubs seeking to participate in the 2026/2027 league season.
The requirements are contained in a memo issued to all participating clubs, with the NNL Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Danlami Alanana, stressing that all clubs must comply fully with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Club Licensing Regulations.
Under the new requirements, clubs must provide proof 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 register until they present a letter from the NFF Arbitration Committee confirming that the matter has been cleared.
Clubs are also required to submit duly signed contracts for their players and officials to the NNL.
In addition, any club owing the league money from previous seasons in respect of fines, cautions or registration fees will be barred from registration until the outstanding obligations are settled.
Another major requirement is the payment of a mandatory N20 million guarantee, which is intended to demonstrate each club's commitment to completing the league season.
The NNL has also requested evidence of incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), details of shareholders and a transparent ownership structure.
Participating clubs must provide an approved home ground that meets NNL and NFF standards, along with functional dressing rooms and medical facilities. They are also expected to have valid insurance coverage for players and officials and qualified coaches holding the appropriate CAF coaching licences.
The NNL has confirmed that registration for the new season has commenced and warned that clubs that fail to meet the stipulated requirements before the deadline will be excluded from the 2026/2027 campaign.
The new NNL season is scheduled to kick off on 31 October 2026, with four clubs—one from each Conference—set to earn promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
