The Nigeria National League (NNL) has taken a firm stance against financial indiscipline by barring five clubs from registering for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
The affected teams are:
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Gombe United
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Heartland FC
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Lobi Stars
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Akwa United
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Sunshine Stars
According to a circular signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, the decision was made because these clubs failed to settle financial obligations owed to players, coaches, and administrators.
The NNL stressed that no club with unresolved debt cases will be allowed to participate in the new season until they provide verifiable proof of payment and compliance with rulings from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players Status and Arbitration Committee.
“Clubs indebted to players, coaches, and administrators with cases adjudicated by the NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee must comply with the committee’s decisions. Compliance is mandatory before registration,” the circular read.
This move by the NNL is seen as a necessary step to protect players’ welfare and ensure professionalism in Nigerian football. It also sends a strong message to clubs that financial accountability will remain a key requirement for participation in the league.
Fans will now be eager to see whether the affected teams resolve their financial disputes in time to feature in the 2025/26 campaign.
