NNL Mid-Season Retreat Sets Tougher Measures on Officiating, Hooliganism
The Nigeria National League (NNL), in collaboration with club chairmen under NALCOMA, has concluded its mid-season retreat in Ikenne, Ogun State, with far-reaching resolutions aimed at improving the integrity and quality of the league.
The retreat, hosted at the Beyond Limits FC auditorium by Hon. Kunle Soname, saw stakeholders commend Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) and the NFF Board for their continued support in positioning the NNL as a vital part of Nigerian football.
Delegates condemned the ‘win-at-home-at-all-cost’ mentality of some clubs and the harassment of match officials, describing the standard of officiating in the first half of the 2025/26 season as unacceptable.
They proposed the outright expulsion of referees found guilty of compromising the laws of the game.
The retreat reaffirmed that a Super 4 competition will be staged at the end of the season to determine the overall league winner, with clubs warned that failure to participate would mean forfeiting promotion rights.
Stakeholders welcomed the proposed increase in prize money for the Super 4.
Betpawa was praised for its prompt implementation of the Locker Room Bonus (LRB) and its plans to provide further material support to clubs. The retreat also acknowledged the new investment deal signed with Toptier Sports Management Ltd (TSM), urging activation ahead of the second stanza.
The second half of the season was confirmed to kick off on 14th February 2026, with clubs urged to complete mid-season transfers promptly.
It was also agreed that NPFL referees should be drafted to officiate matches, while venues associated with hooliganism or disruptions would face heavy sanctions.
Delegates applauded the cordial relationship between the NNL Board, led by Chief George Aluo, and NALCOMA, headed by Mr. Godwin Enakhena, while calling for improved communication. The achievements of the NNL Board, particularly in attracting new partners, were also commended.
