The Nigeria National League (NNL) has commenced inspection of stadium facilities across the country as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and professional start to the 2025/2026 football season.
In a statement issued by the league’s management, all 36 participating clubs have been notified to submit their proposed home venues by October 13, 2025, while also preparing for visits by the NNL inspection team. The league is scheduled to kick off on November 8, 2025.
As part of pre-season requirements, clubs must also complete all registration formalities and licensing procedures by October 24, 2025, a key step toward validating player eligibility and overall club readiness.
The Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Mr. Danlami Alanana, reiterated the league’s zero-tolerance policy towards substandard playing surfaces. According to him, any stadium facility that fails to meet the minimum standard will be disqualified from hosting matches.
“We honestly kick against poor pitches which lower our quality and may be injurious to the players, aside from not allowing the free flow of the game,” Alanana said.
“We are a professional league and clubs must imbibe acceptable pitch standards for the good of the game.”
Alanana stressed that quality venues are fundamental to delivering a successful season, urging clubs to take infrastructure improvements seriously.
The NNL, regarded as the second-tier league in Nigerian football, is focusing on improving professionalism and standards in line with global best practices. Facility inspection is expected to cover pitch quality, dressing room conditions, media facilities, security provisions, and crowd control mechanisms.
The league management warned that failure to comply with the facility standards and registration deadlines could attract sanctions, including disqualification from the season.
With the countdown to the new season underway, clubs are under pressure to meet all requirements to ensure a seamless and competitive league campaign.
