The Nigeria National League (NNL) has introduced a landmark reform by abolishing the Super 8 playoff, Sports247 reports.
The second tier body announced a direct qualification format that will see the top four teams from each conference automatically secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
This decision was unanimously endorsed by club owners at the NNL’s 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Kaduna on Tuesday.
This marks a new chapter in the country’s second-tier football structure.
The move aims to create a fairer, more transparent pathway for promotion while reducing the controversies and logistical challenges often associated with the playoff system.
Speaking after the AGM, NNL officials noted that the adjustment would bring stability to the league and provide participating clubs with clearer targets across the season.
This decision reflects the collective will of stakeholders to prioritize merit and consistency,” one executive stated, emphasizing that the new model will encourage healthy competition across conferences.
In addition to the structural reform, the NNL announced that the 2025/2026 season will officially commence on November 8, 2025.
All 36 clubs are expected to complete licensing requirements and player registrations ahead of the season’s opening fixtures.
Football analysts have hailed the decision, noting that it aligns the NNL with global best practices while also reducing financial strain on clubs previously burdened by travel and playoff expenses.
With promotion now determined strictly by league standings, teams are expected to focus more on long-term planning and competitive consistency.
The NNL leadership assured fans that the upcoming season would deliver quality football, improved organization, and a stronger foundation for Nigerian football development.
As preparations intensify, attention now shifts to the participating clubs, who will battle for glory in what promises to be a fiercely competitive campaign.
Proposed Grouping for the Nigeria National League (NNL) 2025/2026 Season
Conference A
1. Abia Comets FC
2. Beyond Limits FA
3. Crown FC
4. Edel FC
5. E-World Utd FC
6. Inter Lagos FC
7. Sunshine Stars FC
8. Heartland FC
9. Godswill Akpabio Utd FC
10. Smart City FC
Conference B
1. Akwa Utd FC
2. Abakaliki FC
3. Ekiti Utd FC
4. Dakkada FC
5. Sporting Lagos FC
6. Osun Utd FC
7. First Bank FC
8. Stormers SC
9. Rovers FC
10. Solution FC
Conference C
1. ABS FC
2. FC Basira
3. Doma Utd FC
4. Lobi Stars FC
5. City FC
6. Kada Warriors FC
7. Mighty Jets FC
8. Sokoto Utd FC
Conference D
1. Bichi First FC
2. Jigawa Golden Stars FC
3. Ranchers Bees FC
4. Adamawa Utd FC
5. Sporting Supreme FC
6. Gombe Utd FC
7. Kebbi Utd FC
8. Yobe Desert Stars FC
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