As the curtain falls on the festive period of Ileya, anticipation is building across Nigeria’s football community as 32 top-performing teams from the Nationwide League One (NLO) prepare to clash in a fierce battle for promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL), the nation’s second-tier football competition.
These teams, having emerged as champions of their respective groups in the first phase of the NLO season, will now enter the promotional playoffs phase, which will determine the eight clubs that will gain promotion into the NNL.
The playoffs are structured around eight centres, each hosting four teams in a round-robin format.
The winner from each centre will earn a promotion to the NNL. The matches will commence after the Ileya Festival, with fixtures beginning on June 12, 2025, and running through June 22, 2025.
The groupings and centres are as follows :
Slot 1 – Ijebu-Ode Stadium
Participating Teams: Magic Stars FC, Okaka FC, Ikorodu City FA, Lekki United FC
Slot 2 – Ibadan Stadium
Participating Teams: Real Sapphire FC, FC Ebedei, Joy Cometh FC, Stormers SC
Slot 3 – Shagamu Center
Participating Teams: Morak FC, Kareem Adeyemi FC, Hammola FC, Ekiti United
Slot 4 – Port Harcourt
Participating Teams: E World FC, Ozalla FC, FC One Rocket, Ahundiyanema
Slot 5 – Bwari Stadium
Participating Teams: NA Royal FC, House of Prayer FC, Seal Mind FC, Maikunkele United
Slot 6 – Lafia Stadium
Participating Teams: Vet Rovers, City FC, CAMPRO FC, FWC FC
Slot 7 – Jos Stadium
Participating Teams: Warinje FC, Kaduna UTD FC, AVM FC, DMD FC
Slot 8 – Gummel Stadium
Participating Teams: Discovery Academy, Clever Warriors, JNR Danburam, Kano Ambassadors
The Nationwide League One has proven to be a vital breeding ground for emerging talent and future stars.
The playoff round will not only be a test of tactical strength and consistency but also a celebration of local football excellence across Nigeria.
As the matches kick off post-Ileya, fans, scouts, and stakeholders will keep their eyes glued to the action, with only eight of the thirty-two earning the coveted step up into the professional ranks of the NNL
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