NNL AGM: Aluo Vows to Make League Better

George Aluo, chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), pledged on Saturday that the second-tier competition will be restructured, better broadcast and run to a consistent calendar as part of efforts to improve club performance and increase fan engagement.

Speaking at the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Owerri, Aluo said that the meeting marked one of the best AGMs since his administration took charge, and praised the Imo government for hosting the event.

“I can see that with the way this AGM has gone, I can say that we are in for another good season,” Aluo said, thanking Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for providing an “enabling environment” that allowed the league to gather in the eastern city.

He described the turnout and facilities as evidence that the state is “getting the dividends of democracy.”

Aluo announced plans to continue trimming the size of the NNL to improve competitiveness and administration.

The league, which began with 40 clubs, has already reduced membership to 34 and is targeting 32 teams next season.

Under the proposed layout, the NNL would move from four conferences to two conferences of 16 teams each — a structural change he said was mandated by NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau.

The chairman linked the structural reforms to improved on-field results for promoted clubs, noting that a clearer calendar and better preparation window were critical.

“When we are done in April we will go for the Super 4,” he said, explaining that finishing the NNL earlier gives promoted teams more time to prepare for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season rather than being rushed into top-flight competition.

Aluo pointed to last season as evidence the approach works.

Inter Lagos, Sporting Lagos, Ranchers Bees and Doma United completed their NNL seasons more than two months before the NPFL kicked off, he said, and the early finish allowed those promoted clubs to prepare properly and perform well in the NPFL and other competitions.

Broadcasting and visibility formed another pillar of Aluo’s vision.

The NNL has signed a deal with Toptier Sports Management (TSM) for TV promotion and streaming, he said, noting that matches now appear on YouTube and other social platforms.

“Beyond what we are doing to make Nigerians see the league, we are equally encouraging the clubs to take the matches live,” Aluo added.

To improve broadcast quality the league will approve only “television-friendly” stadiums, he said, warning that clubs with poor pitches risk being banned from hosting matches.

Each home venue must now have an alternative venue on file, Aluo said, a move aimed at avoiding last-minute disruptions and ensuring matches meet broadcast standards.

The AGM also addressed night fixtures and stadium readiness. Aluo said about eight clubs indicated capacity to host night games, which the league encouraged as part of making football family-friendly entertainment.

“Football should be part of Christmas and New Year,” he said, stressing that night matches, good pitches and adequate security would allow supporters to attend and broadcast partners to deliver consistent coverage.

Aluo acknowledged logistical and calendar challenges ahead of the 2026–27 season and signaled flexibility for fixture rescheduling around national events.

He highlighted 2027 — an election year — as a period in which the league will plan for possible disruptions while hoping for peaceful civic processes that will not derail the football calendar.

The chairman also confirmed that the NNL will open its season with a curtain-raiser in Owerri: Heartland FC against Crown FC of Ogbomosho.

He wished all clubs well ahead of the October 31 kick-off date and reiterated the league’s commitment to structural reform, improved broadcast reach and a predictable calendar as the foundation for raising standards across Nigeria’s second tier.

Club officials and delegates at the AGM responded positively to the package of reforms, according to attendees, who said discussions focused on financial management, stadium infrastructure and aligning club operations to meet television and safety requirements.

The NNL’s proposed shift to two conferences and the deal with TSM are now set to shape preparations ahead of the new season as the league pursues Aluo’s promise to “make the league better.”