The Nigeria National League (NNL) has barred Akwa United, Heartland FC, and other indebted clubs from registration in the league ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
In a circular dated September 9, 2025, and signed by Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, the NNL stated that clubs with unresolved financial obligations to players, coaches, or administrators will not be cleared for registration.
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The affected clubs include former NPFL Champions Akwa United FC, Heartland FC, Gombe United, Lobi Stars, and Sunshine Stars, all recently relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The league body emphasized that registration will only be permitted once these clubs provide verifiable evidence of compliance with rulings from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players Status and Arbitration Committee.
According to the NNL, the decision aims to uphold the welfare of players and officials while promoting professionalism and financial discipline across the league.
“Clubs indebted to players, coaches, and administrators with cases adjudicated by the NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee must comply with the committee’s decisions. Compliance is mandatory before clubs will be allowed to register,” the circular read.
The NNL also warned that non-compliance could lead to exclusion from league activities, which would negatively impact both the competitive and commercial standing of defaulting clubs.
By enforcing this measure, the NNL reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening integrity in Nigeria’s second-tier league.
It is also to ensure that the rights of footballers and technical staff remain protected.
The NFF PSAC once again stamps its authority against contract breaches and illegality in Nigeria football after ensuring a similar ban was enforced before the kickoff of the NPFL.
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