2026/2027 NNL: Lobi, Heartland, Sokoto United, Gombe Face Expulsion Over Financial Non-Compliance as Kick-off Nears
Lobi Stars, Heartland, Sokoto United and Gombe United face a major administrative hurdle and possible expulsion as the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season draws closer, Sportsbeat.ng reports.
Checks by Sportsbeat.ng on the financial compliance status of NNL clubs show that the four sides are yet to comply with outstanding decisions of the Player Status and Arbitration Committee (PSAC), a key requirement for obtaining clearance to complete their league registration.
With the season scheduled to kick off on October 31, the affected clubs risk being denied PSAC clearance unless they settle their outstanding obligations or secure the necessary confirmation from the relevant authorities.
The development follows the NNL’s directive that clubs with unresolved financial obligations to players and coaches must obtain PSAC clearance before completing registration for the new season.
Sportsbeat.ng’s latest checks indicate that the four clubs are yet to satisfy PSAC awards issued against them on December 5, 2025.
The outstanding obligations involve former players and officials, with the liabilities ranging from ₦52 million and €1,800 against Lobi Stars to ₦183,000 involving Gombe United.
Lobi face ₦52m, €1,800 PSAC award
Lobi Stars have the largest outstanding liability among the four clubs.
The Makurdi-based side was ordered by PSAC to pay ₦52 million and €1,800 to former officials Daniel Amokachi and Mika Lonstrom.
Until the obligation is resolved or the club obtains the appropriate clearance, Lobi face a major obstacle to completing their 2026/2027 NNL registration.
Heartland owe ₦40.4m
Former NPFL champions Heartland are also facing a significant PSAC hurdle after being ordered to pay ₦40.4 million to eight players.
The beneficiaries named in the decision include Chibunna Eze, Osia Felix, Chukwude Stephen, Momoh Peter, Itodo Ocheme, Aputazie Leornard and Ezekiel Bassey.
The outstanding award comes at a critical time for Heartland, who are scheduled to face Crown FC in the opening fixture of the new NNL season on October 31. The remaining Matchday 1 fixtures are scheduled for November 7.
Sokoto United face ₦3.25m obligation
Sokoto United must resolve a ₦3.25 million PSAC award involving former players Okon Otop and Isaac Ali.
Failure to comply leaves the club facing the same registration challenge as Lobi Stars and Heartland.
Gombe United owe ₦183,000
Gombe United’s outstanding PSAC obligation is comparatively smaller, with the club ordered to pay ₦183,000 to Kazeem Yekini.
However, the size of the debt does not remove the compliance requirement. Clubs with unresolved player-related financial obligations must demonstrate settlement or obtain the required arbitration clearance before completing registration.
PSAC clearance becomes registration gatekeeper
The situation underlines the NNL’s decision to make PSAC compliance a key part of the registration process for the 2026/2027 season.
Under the league’s September directive, clubs are required to provide evidence that they are not indebted to players and coaches over sign-on fees, salaries and allowances. Where outstanding obligations exist, clubs must resolve the matters through the appropriate NFF arbitration process and provide confirmation of settlement or clearance.
The NNL has also imposed other financial and licensing requirements, including a ₦20 million financial guarantee, settlement of outstanding league fines and fees, valid player and official contracts, approved playing venues, insurance coverage and compliance with NFF Club Licensing Regulations.
Countdown to October 31
With the season opener fast approaching, pressure is mounting on the four clubs to resolve their outstanding PSAC matters.
For Lobi Stars, Heartland, Sokoto United and Gombe United, the issue goes beyond settling old financial disputes. Their ability to secure the required clearance could determine whether they complete registration and are permitted to participate in the 2026/2027 NNL season.
Unless the outstanding awards are settled or the required clearance is obtained, the four clubs risk being excluded from the new campaign when the NNL kicks off on October 31.
The situation is set to provide another significant test of the NNL and NFF’s resolve to enforce PSAC decisions as clubs race to meet the requirements for the new season.
