Battle for Promotion: 32 NLO Teams Set for Post-Ileya Playoffs into Nigeria National League

As the Ileya festivities wind down, excitement is mounting across Nigeria’s football landscape with 32 group-winning teams from the Nationwide League One (NLO) set to compete for promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL), the country’s second-tier division.

These teams, having topped their respective groups in the first phase of the NLO season, will now enter the promotion playoffs, where only eight clubs will secure a place in the NNL.

The playoffs will be held across eight centres in a round-robin format, with four teams in each group. The winner from each centre will earn promotion. The matches are scheduled to run from June 12 to June 22, 2025.

Full Playoff Groupings and Centres:

• Slot 1 – Ijebu-Ode Stadium: Magic Stars FC, Okaka FC, Ikorodu City FA, Lekki United FC

• Slot 2 – Ibadan Stadium: Real Sapphire FC, FC Ebedei, Joy Cometh FC, Stormers SC

• Slot 3 – Shagamu Center: Morak FC, Kareem Adeyemi FC, Hammola FC, Ekiti United

• Slot 4 – Port Harcourt: E World FC, Ozalla FC, FC One Rocket, Ahundiyanema

• Slot 5 – Bwari Stadium: NA Royal FC, House of Prayer FC, Seal Mind FC, Maikunkele United

• Slot 6 – Lafia Stadium: Vet Rovers, City FC, CAMPRO FC, FWC FC

• Slot 7 – Jos Stadium: Warinje FC, Kaduna UTD FC, AVM FC, DMD FC

• Slot 8 – Gummel Stadium: Discovery Academy, Clever Warriors, JNR Danburam, Kano Ambassadors

The NLO continues to serve as a vital platform for developing grassroots football and nurturing future stars. With promotion to the NNL at stake, the playoff phase promises intense competition, tactical battles, and breakout performances.

All eyes will be on the post-Ileya fixtures as teams aim to rise from the amateur ranks into Nigeria’s professional football scene.