Clubs preparing for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League season have been given a list of mandatory conditions they must meet to register, with the NNL warning that non-compliant teams will be excluded, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The requirements were contained in a memo sent to the 34 clubs expected to participate in the new campaign as preparations continue ahead of the October 31 kick-off.
NNL Chief Operating Officer Danlami Alanana stated that all participating clubs must comply with the Nigeria Football Federation Club Licensing Regulations as part of the registration process.
One major condition concerns clubs' financial obligations to players and coaches. Teams must provide evidence that outstanding sign-on fees, salaries, allowances and other contractual payments have been settled.
Clubs involved in unresolved financial disputes will not be cleared for registration until they submit confirmation from the NFF Arbitration Committee showing that the relevant matter has been resolved.
The league has also directed clubs to submit properly executed contracts covering their players and officials.
Teams with outstanding debts to the NNL arising from fines, cautions, registration fees or other obligations from previous seasons must equally settle those liabilities before receiving clearance to participate.
Another major requirement is a mandatory ?20 million guarantee, which each club must provide as evidence of its financial commitment to completing the season.
The NNL has further requested documents confirming each club’s incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission, alongside details of shareholders and information on its ownership structure.
Infrastructure will also form part of the registration assessment, with clubs required to provide home grounds that meet the standards set by the NNL and NFF.
Such facilities must include functional dressing rooms and adequate medical provisions for players and officials.
Clubs must also provide valid insurance coverage for their players and officials, while their technical departments are expected to be headed by coaches with the appropriate CAF coaching licences.
Registration for the 2026/27 campaign is already underway, with clubs expected to fulfil all the stipulated conditions before the deadline to avoid being left out of the competition.
The new NNL season is scheduled to begin on October 31, 2026, with four clubs, one from each conference, set to earn promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League at the end of the campaign.
The registration requirements place particular emphasis on financial responsibility, proper club administration, player welfare, infrastructure, and professional standards as the NNL continues efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s second-tier football competition.