The Nigeria National League (NNL) has set the stage for the 2026/27 season after conducting its draw at the league’s 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, Imo State, on Friday, August 21, 2026.
Thirty-four clubs will compete across four conferences when the new season kicks off on October 31, with Conferences A and B comprising nine teams each, while Conferences C and D have eight clubs apiece.
The opening fixture will bring the NNL back to Owerri, where Heartland FC will host Crown FC of Ogbomosho at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on October 31.
Heartland and Crown were drawn in Conference A alongside Remo Stars FC, Edel FC, Godswill Akpabio United FC, Ikorodu City FA, Stormers SC, Sunshine Stars FC and OYC FC.
Conference B has Beyond Limits FA, Solution FC, Akwa United FC, Smart City FC, Abakaliki FC, Right2Win FC, Dokkall Khairu FC, Ekiti United FC and Bayelsa United FC.
El-Kanemi Warriors FC, DMD FC, FC Basira, NeuroSpark FC, Kebbi United FC, Adamawa United FC, Jigawa Golden Stars FC and Junior Danburam FC make up Conference C.
Conference D consists of Yobe Desert Stars FC, Wikki Tourists FC, Lobi Stars FC, ABS FC, Sokoto United FC, Bichi First FC, Kada Warriors FC and Mighty Jets Feeder.
NNL Chairman George Aluo described the Owerri AGM as an important step towards another successful season and praised the Imo State Government for providing a conducive environment for the meeting.
“Our vision and mission have always been to make the league better, and with the way this AGM has gone in Owerri, I can say that we are in for another good season,” Aluo said.
“This is probably the best AGM since we came on board and it is courtesy of the Imo State Government. I want to thank His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.
“Interestingly, we are coming back here for the season opener, Heartland FC versus Crown FC of Ogbomosho. I wish all the teams the best of luck ahead of the October 31 kick-off date.”
Aluo said the NNL would continue its restructuring programme, having reduced the number of participating clubs from 40 to 36 and now 34. The target, he explained, is to have 32 clubs next season, divided into two conferences of 16 teams each in line with the mandate of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining a stable calendar, with the regular season expected to end in April 2027 before the Super 4.
“The era when you do not know when to start or end the league season is gone. We are starting this season in October and by April next year we are done,” Aluo said.
He added that finishing the NNL season early would give promoted clubs sufficient time to prepare for the Nigeria Premier Football League rather than entering the top flight with only a few weeks of preparation.
Aluo also disclosed that the league’s partnership with Toptier Sports Management would improve television and digital coverage, while clubs are being encouraged to broadcast their matches.
“We want a situation where our games can be watched from any part of the country,” he said.
According to him, only television-friendly venues will be approved, with clubs required to provide alternative grounds. Eight clubs have also indicated their readiness to host night matches.
Declaring the AGM open, Governor Uzodimma, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, said the decision to hold the meeting in Owerri reflected confidence in the state’s ability to host major sporting events.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Imo State, I sincerely appreciate the NNL Board for choosing Owerri to host this important 17th Annual General Meeting,” Anyaehie said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sports development and pledged continued support for the NNL and Aluo’s leadership.
“The Imo State Government is fully committed to partnering with the NNL. Our doors, our facilities and our people are open to you. We will continue to provide the enabling environment for football to thrive in the Heartland,” he added.
With the AGM concluded and the conferences decided, attention now turns to October 31, when Heartland and Crown will raise the curtain on the 2026/27 NNL season in Owerri.
