Edel FC have scrapped plans to relocate to Enugu for the new season, opting instead to keep their base in Awka as preparations for the new NNL campaign get underway.
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Edel FC, a second-tier domestic league side, have confirmed they have put on hold their earlier plan to relocate to Enugu for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League season.
The Phinan Ozonweke-coached side had been playing their NNL home matches at the Awka City Stadium. Soon after the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, it emerged that the club would relocate to Enugu as their base for the 2026/27 campaign, but that plan has now been shelved.
Club Confirms The U-Turn
Team Manager Mike Chukwuebuka confirmed the change of plan, explaining that the club will instead continue playing their home fixtures in Awka for the coming season. He did not give specific reasons for the reversal, though the ongoing renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, which has left the venue unavailable for football fixtures, is understood to be a factor behind the decision. Fans following Nigeria’s NNL clubs can also check fixtures and offers via the Bet9ja promotions page. (Betting advertisement, 18+ only)
Chukwuebuka added that the squad will regroup on Monday, August 3, to begin preparations for the new season under Ozonweke’s guidance.
Building On A Solid Season
Edel FC finished sixth on the Conference A table with 20 points in the 2025/26 campaign, a result that secured their place in the division for another season. With their Awka base now confirmed, the club will be looking to build on that platform as they target improvement in the new campaign.
Did You Know?
- Edel FC are based in Awka, Anambra State, and play their home matches at the Awka City Stadium.
- The Nigeria National League, where Edel FC compete, is the second tier of Nigerian football, sitting directly below the NPFL.
- Head coach Phinan Ozonweke also guided Edel FC to retain the Anambra FA Cup crown, marking his first coaching title with the club.
- Awka has previous top-flight football history Udoji United FC, based in the city from 1993, won the Nigerian Premier League title in 1996 and represented Nigeria in the CAF Champions League’s debut edition in 1997, before folding in 2000.
- The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, the venue Edel FC had considered relocating to, is currently undergoing renovation work that has left it unavailable for football fixtures.
- Edel FC finished sixth in Conference A of the 2025/26 NNL season with 20 points, enough to retain their place in the division.
- Anambra State has produced several NNL and NPFL sides over the years, including Anambra United, Anambra Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah, reflecting the state’s deep footballing culture.
