The Nigeria National League (NNL), in collaboration with the Nigeria National League Club Owners Association (NALCOMA), has strongly condemned the rising “win-at-home-at-all-cost” culture in the league, describing it as a threat to fair play and the integrity of the competition.
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This was part of resolutions reached at the NNL and Club Chairmen Mid-Season Retreat held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the auditorium of Beyond Limits FC, Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat, the league stakeholders frowned at the increasing cases of harassment and intimidation of match officials by some clubs, noting that such actions undermine the credibility of the league.
The retreat also bemoaned what it described as the poor standard of officiating during the first stanza of the 2025/2026 season, warning that it could bring the league into disrepute if not urgently addressed.
Consequently, the stakeholders proposed the outright expulsion of any referee found guilty of compromising or failing to properly apply the Laws of the Game.
Participants reiterated an earlier decision reached at the NNL Annual General Meeting in Kaduna that a Super 4 competition would be organized at the end of the season to determine the overall league winner.
It was emphasized that any of the four qualified clubs that fail to participate would automatically forfeit their promotion slot to the second-placed team in their conference.
The retreat noted with satisfaction the proposed increase in prize money for the Super 4 competition and applauded Betpawa for the prompt implementation of the Locker Room Bonus (LRB) during the first stanza of the season. Betpawa was also commended for plans to provide additional material support to clubs.
Stakeholders confirmed February 14, 2026, as the kickoff date for the second stanza of the 2025/2026 NNL season, urging clubs to conclude their mid-season transfer activities on time.
The retreat further requested that referees from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) be drafted to officiate matches in the second stanza, while warning that any match venue associated with hooliganism, harassment, or match disruption would face severe sanctions.
Appreciation was extended to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), and the NFF Board for their continued support, as well as to Hon. Kunle Soname for hosting the retreat at his ultra-modern sports facility.
The NNL also thanked its new partners, Toptier Sports Management Ltd (TSM), for signing an investment deal with the league, urging the company to activate the partnership ahead of the resumption of the season.
The retreat commended the leadership of the NNL Board, led by Chief George Aluo, and NALCOMA under Mr. Godwin Enakhena, praising their achievements, particularly in attracting sponsors and partners, while calling for improved communication between both bodies.
The communiqué was signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee, chaired by Mallam Ahmed Usman Egye, with Mallam Anas Bamusa as member and Mr. Nicholas Akujobi as secretary.
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