34 Teams to Vie for 4 NPFL Spots as
NNL 2026/27 Season to Kick Off Date Revealed
The Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced Saturday, October 31, 2026, as the official kick-off date for the 2026/27 season as 34 teams set to compete for four NPFL slots.
The new campaign will begin with a star match between Heartland FC and Crown FC, with the remaining Matchday 1 fixtures scheduled for the weekend of November 7.
The announcement was made during the NNL Annual General Meeting (AGM), where stakeholders reviewed preparations for the new season and expressed optimism about delivering a more competitive and well-organised campaign.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, represented at the AGM by NNL Chairman George Aluo, thanked the Imo State Government for hosting the meeting and assured clubs and other stakeholders of an improved league season.
Aluo also appreciated the league’s sponsors, TSM and BetPawa as well as match officials for their continued support.
He confirmed that Betpower’s players’ welfare sponsorship programme would continue in the 2026/27 season, while also commending the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its commitment to sports development in Nigeria.
The NNL will feature 34 clubs divided into four conferences for the new season.
Conference A: Remo Stars, Edel FC, Godswill Akpabio United, Eko United, Stormers SC, Heartland FC, Crown FC, Sunshine Stars and OYC FC.
Conference B: Beyond Limits FA, Solution FC, Akwa United, Smart City FC, Abakaliki FC, Right2Win FC, Dokkal Khairu FC, Ekiti United and Bayelsa United.
Conference C: Elkanemi Warriors, DMD FC, FC Basira, Neurospark FC, Kebbi United, Adamawa United, Jigawa Golden Stars and Damburan FC.
Conference D: Yobe Desert Stars, Wikki Tourists, Lobi Stars, ABS FC, Sokoto United, Bichi First FC, Kada Warriors and Mighty Jets Feeder/Bida Lions FC.
With the opening date confirmed, clubs are expected to step up their final preparations ahead of what promises to be another competitive NNL campaign.
