The Nigeria National League (NNL), organisers of the nation’s second-tier football league, have confirmed that the 2025/2026 season will commence in October 2025—although a specific date in October is yet to be fixed, Complete Sports.com reports.
This development came during a strategic board meeting held at the VIP Lounge of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, where the NNL board also scheduled the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the last week of August 2025, forming a key part of its roadmap for the upcoming season.
The high-level gathering reviewed the just-concluded 2024/2025 season and laid out a framework to consolidate on recent gains, reaffirming the league’s drive towards professionalism and growth.
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During the meeting, the NNL board expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, and the people of Delta State for their generous hospitality and sponsorship of the 2025 NNL Promotion Playoffs.
The board also extended warm congratulations to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on his recent appointment as President of the West African Football Union Zone B (WAFU B) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), describing it as a “deserved recognition” of his contributions to regional football.
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Reaffirming its loyalty to the NFF, the NNL acknowledged the decision of the NFF Executive Committee to extend the tenure of the current NNL leadership, pledging to continue supporting reforms that professionalise Nigerian football and enhance the league’s reputation as a breeding ground for domestic talent.
The league’s management also commended its key sponsors and partners—Prostar Recreational Services Ltd, Sportlight Hub Ltd, Sofascore, and Monimichelle—for their unwavering support. Special recognition was given to Hon. Kunle Soname for hosting the pre-season workshop and seminar that shaped a productive season.
Looking ahead, the board announced plans to establish a Constitution Review Committee to revise key articles in the league’s Rules and Regulations, aimed at improving governance and operational efficiency.
Delta Protests Wikki Tourists’ Fan Violence, Demands Compensation
Despite the positive agenda, the NNL now faces a major crisis following violent scenes at the conclusion of the 2025 NNL Super 8 Playoffs final match at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
The Delta State Sports Commission has filed a formal protest to the NNL, accusing Wikki Tourists fans of vandalising stadium infrastructure after their club lost 3-2 to Warri Wolves in the overall winners’ final.
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Supporters of the Bauchi-based club allegedly uprooted plastic seats, threw them onto the pitch, and hurled stones and other objects—some targeted at match officials.
Though security personnel and marshals intervened promptly, significant damage had already been done to the stadium, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s premier sporting venues.
Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, condemned the act and demanded compensation from Wikki Tourists FC.
“We have made our position known to the NNL leadership,” Oborevwori stated. “We want Wikki Tourists to pay for the repair of our stadium facilities which they vandalised.
“Yobe Desert Stars did something similar in the past, and we are unhappy with this recurring behaviour. Football must not become a do-or-die affair.”
He warned that such conduct would no longer be tolerated in future tournaments hosted by Delta State and urged the NNL to take decisive disciplinary action to deter further occurrences.
As at the time of filing this report, the NNL board had not issued an official statement. However, sources within the secretariat confirmed that an investigation is already underway. Reports are expected from match officials, stadium security, and the NNL Disciplinary Committee.
The NNL, which had previously praised improvements in officiating and fan conduct during the 2024/2025 season, now faces a critical test of its regulatory commitment to safety and facility protection.
“Clubs must take responsibility for their fans,” a league source noted. “If they cannot control them, then they must face the consequences. These actions damage public property, put lives at risk, and tarnish the sport’s reputation.”
The NNL board is expected to meet within days to deliberate on the incident. Reports from officials and security are anticipated within 48 hours.
For now, the destruction at the Stephen Keshi Stadium remains a stark reminder that football’s values of unity and fair play can be swiftly undone by fan violence—and that accountability is crucial to the sport’s integrity.
By Sab Osuji
