NNL Launches Stadium Inspections Ahead of 2025/26 Season

In preparation for the upcoming 2025/2026 season, the Nigeria National League (NNL) has kicked off comprehensive inspections of stadium facilities across the country to ensure they meet professional standards.

All 36 participating clubs have been instructed to submit their preferred home venues by October 13, 2025, as the league’s inspection team will visit these grounds.  Alongside venue submissions, clubs are also required to complete registration and club licensing processes by October 24, 2025.

Danlami Alanana, NNL’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasised that any stadium failing to meet acceptable pitch and facility standards will not be approved to host matches. “We frankly kick against poor pitches which lower our quality and may be injurious to the players,” he remarked. He further insisted that clubs must ensure playing surfaces promote the game’s quality and protect player welfare.

These early inspections reflect the NNL’s commitment to greater professionalism, as league management aims for a smooth and safe season free from infrastructure-related disruptions.

Editorial

We believe that the decision by the NNL to begin stadium inspections ahead of the new season is a positive signal a sign that the league is moving beyond talk and embracing accountability, quality, and safety.

Clubs have long used substandard venues as weak excuses when matches are postponed or held off-site. That practice has hurt the credibility of the league and the morale of players and fans alike. Now, with clear deadlines for venue submission and licensing, every club must be held accountable. No more excuses. No more crumbling stands or uneven pitches.

But inspections alone are not enough. The NNL must accompany this process with guidance, technical support, and possibly even subsidies or incentives for clubs that struggle to meet standards. Some clubs operate on shoestring budgets; upgrading facilities can be costly. It’s in the league’s own interest to help them raise those standards without being draconian.

Transparency is key. The NNL should publish its inspection criteria, report on failing venues, and allow clubs time to correct deficiencies. The public should see which stadiums are approved and which are under remediation. That openness builds trust.

Clubs should also begin planning maintenance in the off-season. Good drainage, consistent turf care, basic seating repairs these are not glamorous, but they matter. Maintaining standards should be part of club culture, not last-minute panic.

If the NNL stays firm, transparent, and supportive and if clubs respond with investment and discipline then we could see a turning point in Nigeria’s second-tier league. We might no longer cringe at poor pitches or empty stands. Instead, we could witness venues that inspire pride, attract sponsors and crowds, and elevate the quality of football itself.

The season ahead may face many challenges, but the NNL’s inspections show that readiness is no longer optional. It is essential.

Did You Know?

1. The Nigeria National League (NNL) is the second tier in Nigeria’s football pyramid, just below the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
2. The inspection process is often modelled after CAF (Confederation of African Football) facility criteria, which include specifications for lighting, pitch quality, dressing rooms, medical rooms, and spectator safety.
3. In past seasons, some clubs were forced to relocate home matches because their stadiums failed inspections late in the process.
4. Licensing requirements often demand clubs present documents such as player medical certificates, insurance, and proof of ownership or use rights for their home stadium.
5. Several countries have seen marked improvements in their domestic leagues after strictly enforcing stadium standards stronger fan turnout, increased sponsorship, and fewer match cancellations.