The Nigeria National League (NNL) has barred Akwa United, Heartland FC, and other indebted clubs from registering ahead of the 2025/2026 season.
In a circular dated 9 September 2025 and signed by Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, the league body declared that clubs with unresolved financial obligations to players, coaches, or administrators would not be cleared for registration.
The affected clubs include former NPFL champions Akwa United, Heartland FC, Gombe United, Lobi Stars, and Sunshine Stars, all recently relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The NNL stressed that registration would only be permitted once clubs provide verifiable evidence of compliance with rulings from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players Status and Arbitration Committee.
“Clubs indebted to players, coaches, and administrators with cases adjudicated by the NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee must comply with the committee’s decisions. Compliance is mandatory before clubs will be allowed to register,” the circular stated.
The league also warned that failure to comply could result in exclusion from all league activities, potentially damaging both the competitive and commercial standing of defaulting clubs.
By enforcing the directive, the NNL reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the welfare of players and officials while strengthening professionalism and financial discipline across the second tier. It also underscored the importance of protecting the rights of footballers and technical staff.
The NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee further stamped its authority against contract breaches and illegality in Nigerian football, having ensured a similar ban before the start of the NPFL season.
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