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NNL begins stadium inspections ahead of 2025/26 season kickoff
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The Nigeria National League (NNL) has commenced nationwide inspection of stadium facilities as part of its preparations for the smooth and professional start of the 2025/2026 football season.
In a statement released by the league’s management, all 36 participating clubs have been directed to submit their proposed home grounds on or before October 13, 2025, in readiness for visits by the NNL inspection team.
The new season is scheduled to begin on November 8, 2025.
As part of the pre-season requirements, clubs are also mandated to complete registration and licensing procedures by October 24, 2025 — a crucial step to confirm player eligibility and overall club compliance.
The Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Mr. Danlami Alanana, reaffirmed the league’s zero-tolerance stance toward poor pitch conditions, stressing that any stadium that fails to meet required standards will be disqualified from hosting matches.
“We honestly kick against poor pitches which lower our quality and may be injurious to the players, aside from not allowing the free flow of the game,” Alanana said.
“We are a professional league, and clubs must imbibe acceptable pitch standards for the good of the game.”
Alanana further emphasized that maintaining quality venues is essential to the NNL’s mission of delivering a credible and competitive league that meets global football standards.
The ongoing facility inspection will cover:
Pitch quality and playing surface
Dressing room and player welfare facilities
Media and broadcast setups
Security arrangements
Crowd control and access management systems
Compliance and Sanctions
The NNL management warned that clubs failing to meet infrastructure or registration standards could face disciplinary actions — including possible disqualification from the 2025/26 season.
With the countdown to kickoff already underway, participating clubs are now racing against time to ensure full compliance with the league’s operational requirements.
