The Nigeria National League (NNL) has officially confirmed that Dakkada FC has withdrawn from the 2025/26 season. According to the NNL, the Uyo-based club sent a formal notification to the league board of their decision to pull out. The decision followed administrative and financial struggles that have dogged the club in recent times.
Reports suggest that one of the core reasons behind the withdrawal is a placement dispute Dakkada had sought to be placed in Conference B the same group as their city rivals, Akwa United but the NNL Board rejected the request, citing concerns for competitive balance.
The club’s exit comes just weeks after the NNL season began. Their opening fixture reportedly against Beyond Limits FC — was not honored by Dakkada.
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The fallout is already being felt the NNL is expected to adjust its fixture list to account for Dakkada’s absence. Meanwhile, some stakeholders warn of severe consequences for the club a FIFA-licensed agent has cautioned Dakkada may face long-term sanctions, including legal and financial complications.
Editorial
Dakkada FC’s decision to withdraw from the NNL is more than a blow to the league schedule it underlines the deeper fragility that haunts many Nigerian clubs. With ambition intact on paper, what seems to have unraveled is the pragmatic foundation needed to sustain it.
Their stated reason a conference-placement dispute may appear technical. But behind that lie broader structural issues governance, financial stability, and a coherent strategy for competitiveness. When a club changes ownership and immediately clashes with the league over basic logistics, alarm bells should ring.
The NNL board’s insistence on competitive integrity is understandable, but this outcome signals failure on both sides. Dakkada’s exit disrupts the league it also weakens their own legacy. For the players, staff, and community, the cost may go far beyond missed matches.
Moving forward, the NNL must ask itself how many more clubs are one internal dispute away from disappearing? And what mechanisms will prevent this from becoming a recurring crisis? Because in Nigerian football, dreams don’t just need vision — they need stability.
Did You Know?
- Dakkada FC was formerly known as Akwa Comets before rebranding to their current identity.
- The club had been relegated from the NPFL to the NNL a few seasons ago, making this withdrawal another setback in their quest to return to the top flight.
- Before pulling out, Dakkada had declared one of its players, Wisdom Tom, missing an incident that highlighted internal disarray.
- The club has previously been under a transfer ban from the NNL due to unpaid debts to former players.
- Their withdrawal comes just days into the 2025/26 NNL season, leaving the league with the task of reworking its fixtures and possibly penalizing the club.
