Organisers of the nation’s second tier domestic football league, the
Nigeria National League (NNL), has moved the kick off date for the 2026/2027 season by 24 hours, with the opening match of the season, a Conference A top of the bill clash involving Heartland of Owerri and Crown FC Ogbomoso, Completesports.com reports.
The clash between Heartland and Crown was earlier slated for 31 October but will now to hold on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Other Conference A, B, C and D new season fixtures are not affected by this new development with their kick off date billed for the weekend of 7 – 8 November, 2026, across the country.
Danlami Alanana, Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, announced the adjustment in the 2026/2027 season opening game, explaining that the decision was necessitated by what he described as ‘important’ state events scheduled to take place same day (Saturday, 31 October) at the same venue, (Dan Anyiam Stadium).
“The NNL wants the host state to be adequately represented at the opening fixture to ensure a strong turnout and create the atmosphere befitting of the occasion,” the NNL COO, Danlami Alanana said in a statement made available to Completesports.com.
Alanana apologised to both clubs and their supporters for the change, urging them to understand the circumstances surrounding the decision, even as he stressed that the adjustment ‘is in the best interest of a successful start to the new season’.
The encounter between Heartland FC and Crown FC will now officially usher in the 2026/2027 NNL season.
By Sab Osuji
