The Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL) has barred Akwa United, Heartland FC, and different indebted golf equipment from registration within the league forward of the 2025/2026 season.
In a round dated September 9, 2025, and signed by Chief Working Officer, Danlami Alanana, the NNL acknowledged that golf equipment with unresolved monetary obligations to gamers, coaches, or directors is not going to be cleared for registration.
The affected golf equipment embody former NPFL Champions Akwa United FC, Heartland FC, Gombe United, Lobi Stars, and Sunshine Stars, all lately relegated from the Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL).
The league physique emphasised that registration will solely be permitted as soon as these golf equipment present verifiable proof of compliance with rulings from the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) Gamers Standing and Arbitration Committee.
Based on the NNL, the choice goals to uphold the welfare of gamers and officers whereas selling professionalism and monetary self-discipline throughout the league.
“Golf equipment indebted to gamers, coaches, and directors with circumstances adjudicated by the NFF Gamers Standing and Arbitration Committee should adjust to the committee’s choices. Compliance is obligatory earlier than golf equipment can be allowed to register,” the round learn.
The NNL additionally warned that non-compliance may result in exclusion from league actions, which might negatively impression each the aggressive and business standing of defaulting golf equipment.
By implementing this measure, the NNL reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening integrity in Nigeria’s second-tier league.
Additionally it is to make sure that the rights of footballers and technical workers stay protected.
The NFF PSAC as soon as once more stamps its authority towards contract breaches and illegality in Nigeria soccer after making certain an analogous ban was enforced earlier than the kickoff of the NPFL.
