The Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium on Ozubulu Road, Nnewi, is set to return to competitive football action in April 2026, as the 2025/2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) season gets underway under a newly introduced home-and-away format, Completesports.com reports.
NLO Home-And-Away Format Signals Stadium Revival
The development follows Ozalla Football Academy’s decision to adopt the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium as their home venue for NLO fixtures in the forthcoming season, which is scheduled to kick off on 10 April 2026.
Anambra State Stadia That Meet League Standards
Anambra State boasts several stadia capable of meeting NLO standards, including Awka City Stadium, FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, Rojenny Stadium (Oba), NEROS Stadium (Nanka), Otuocha Stadium, Godwin Achebe Stadium and Onitsha Stadium.
NLO Participation Boost As Five Anambra Clubs Prepare
Checks by Completesports.com reveal that no fewer than five clubs from Anambra State are expected to feature in the inaugural NLO home-and-away league. The teams include Ozalla FA, Peace FC, St Nwadinso, Black Smithers and Game Changers.
Also Read: NLO: Home-and-Away League Format For 2025/26 Season Begins April 10
According to the Anambra State Football Association Secretary, Raphael Nweke, both Game Changers and Black Smithers recently joined the NLO after acquiring league slots.
Ozalla FA Finalise Registration, Opt For Nnewi Venue
Ozalla FA are currently completing their registration processes and have expressed strong interest in using the FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, Nnewi, as their home ground.
“We’re still going through the registration processes. Of course, your preferred venue for your home games is a key part of the registration requirements.
“In this regard, I think FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, Nnewi, is favoured after several considerations,” said Ikenna Osueke, President and financier of the club.
Osueke declined to provide further details but stressed that the adoption of a home-and-away format for the NLO is a welcome development.
NLO: League COO Confirms April 10 Kick-Off
Meanwhile, Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Nigeria’s third-tier league, confirmed to Completesports.com that the 2025/2026 NLO season will be contested strictly on a home-and-away basis.
“After the registration of teams, the clubs will be grouped based on proximity to reduce financial burdens,” Ogunnowo explained.
“The league will be decided on a home-and-away basis and will kick off on 10 April 2026,” he added.
By Sab Osuji
