NNL Approves League Format, New Rules, and Kick-Off Date for 2024/2025 Season

 

The Nigeria National League (NNL) held its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bauchi on Saturday, making significant decisions for the upcoming 2024/2025 season.

During the meeting, attended by various stakeholders, the AGM approved the 2023/2024 league table presented by the NNL Secretariat.

A communiqué issued post-meeting detailed the adoption of amendments to the league’s framework, rules, and regulations, which will guide the upcoming season.

New Initiatives for the 2024/2025 Season

The AGM announced the introduction of monthly awards for exceptional performances, including categories for Best Goalkeeper, Best Coach, Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer, and Best Behaved Team. Referees will also be eligible for the Best Performing Referee award.

Another important decision was the exclusive use of Prostar/NNL-branded balls and bibs for all NNL matches in the upcoming season.

Stadium and Team Regulations

The AGM emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards, stating that only stadiums meeting the NNL facility criteria will be approved for matches in the 2024/2025 season.

The new season will feature 36 clubs divided into four conferences, each comprising nine teams.

The 2024/2025 NNL season is set to kick off on Saturday, November 30, 2024, with a marquee match, while other fixtures for the opening match day will follow a week later.

Financial Reports and Leadership Changes

The meeting also ratified the 2023/2024 financial report and approved the budget for the upcoming season.

New executives were elected to lead the NNL Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA), with Godwin Enakhena becoming the new President and Boniface Alozie Uche from Abia Comets FC taking a seat as one of the club owners’ representatives on the NNL board.

The AGM expressed confidence in the current NNL board, led by George Aluo, for its efforts to reposition the league.

Appreciation to Bauchi State and NFF

The NNL conveyed its gratitude to Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed for hosting the AGM and thanked the people of Bauchi for their warm hospitality. The league also acknowledged the ongoing support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under the leadership of Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

Group Draws for the New Season

The draw for the 2024/2025 season was conducted, with Wikki Tourists FC set to face Gombe United in the opening match at Pantami Stadium, Gombe. Here are the group placements:

Group A  

Sporting Lagos, Madiba FC, 1472 FC, Gateway United, Dakkada FC, Solution FC, Osun United, Warri Wolves, Kun Khalifa

Group B

Inter Lagos, First Bank, Smart City, Beyond Limits, Godswill Akpabio FC, Edel FC, Igbajo United, Rovers FC, Abia Comets

Group C

Kebbi United, Doma United, Coal City, Crown FC, Kada Warriors, Sporting Supreme, Emalex, Basira FC, Yobe United

Group D

Sokoto United, Gombe United, Mighty Jets International FC, Mailantarki Care FC, Zamfara United, Uejele FC, Barau FC, Wikki Tourists, Adamawa United