The Nationwide League One (NLO) has drawn a clear compliance line for Division One and U-19 Youth League clubs ahead of the 2025/2026 football season, rolling out key operational requirements while reaffirming its return to the traditional home-and-away league format from the 2026 season.
READ ALSO: Akwa United Ring the Changes, Release Nine Players Ahead of NNL Second Stanza
In a circular addressed to affiliated clubs nationwide and signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo, the NLO Secretariat described the reintroduction of the home-and-away structure as a strategic move aimed at restoring competitiveness, fairness, and the authentic spirit of the league after recent seasons of structural adjustments driven by external challenges.
As part of preparations for the new campaign, the league outlined three major compliance pillars—licensing, kits, and venue branding—underscoring its resolve to raise professional standards and enhance the league’s visual and commercial appeal.
Clubs have been directed to independently submit player and officials’ licenses through a newly adopted self-submission system.
According to the NLO, the initiative is designed to modernise administrative processes, reduce registration errors, strengthen data security, and give clubs direct, real-time control over their licensing status, while minimising eligibility disputes during the season.
On match kits, the league mandated all clubs to submit details and samples or high-resolution images of three distinct jersey sets: Home, Away, and Alternative kits.
The NLO stressed that players must retain permanent kits and consistent shirt numbers across all three sets throughout the season to improve clarity for match officials, media, and supporters.
Venue presentation also featured prominently in the directive, with clubs instructed to brand their home grounds using perimeter panels that reflect club identity and showcase local partners, a move aimed at boosting professionalism and commercial value on matchdays.
 has drawn a clear compliance line for Division One and U-19 Youth League clubs ahead){kind=link}