The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) has confirmed that its 2025/26 season will adopt a traditional home and away league structure, kicking off on Friday, April 10, 2026. The announcement was made as clubs prepare for a full campaign under the revamped format.
Olugbenga Ogunnowo, the league’s Chief Operating Officer, also reaffirmed that at least eight teams will earn promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the end of the season.
After several seasons of alternative competition structures, the NLO board has confirmed a return to the full home and away format for its third-tier league. Clubs will play matches both at their own grounds and at opponents’ venues throughout the season.
The grouping of teams is expected to be determined by geographical location to cut down on travel distances and reduce logistical and financial challenges for clubs. This change aims to improve competitive balance and make regular league travel more manageable.
Under the new format, a minimum of eight clubs will secure promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the end of the campaign. The exact structure of promotion will depend on the final number of registered teams and group arrangements.
NLO officials stressed that the promotion plan remains intact regardless of how many groups are formed after registration concludes, with at least eight teams advancing to the second tier.
Ahead of the opening weekend in April, clubs are expected to complete registration, submit venue information, and finalise travel plans. The league has also emphasised the importance of stadium compliance as part of its readiness assessment for the new season.
League delegates have been meeting with officials from various State Football Associations to ensure all participating teams are set for the start date and the logistical demands of a full season.
Editorial
The decision to revert to a home and away format is a welcome development for football in Nigeria’s grassroots system. It promises a more meaningful schedule where clubs host fans regularly and players experience the full rigours of a true league campaign. This structure also strengthens local rivalries and gives communities more opportunities to support their teams.
However, the move also highlights the ongoing challenge of logistics and infrastructure in Nigeria’s lower leagues. Travel costs, stadium standards, and operational demands can strain smaller clubs. By grouping teams regionally within the home and away system, the NLO is taking a pragmatic step toward sustainability, but the success of this format will depend on the prompt completion of registration and venue approvals.
For Nigerian football fans, the April 10 start date now gives a clear target as excitement builds toward the new season across the country’s footballing heartlands.
Did You Know?
- The NLO is the third tier of Nigeria’s football league system, feeding into the Nigeria National League.
- The 2025/26 home and away schedule begins on Friday, April 10, 2026.
- Clubs will be grouped geographically to reduce travel distances and costs.
- At least eight teams will be promoted from the NLO to the Nigeria National League at season’s end.
- The reintroduction of a full home and away format aims to restore competitive balance and fan engagement across Nigeria’s grassroots clubs.
