The Nationwide League One, Africa’s largest youth domestic football league, has announced key updates ahead of the 2026 season, including a proposed kick-off date, a new logo and amendments to its rules and regulations.
The announcements were made on Friday during the league’s Annual General Meeting held in Abuja, where club delegates and stakeholders gathered to review progress and set the agenda for the new campaign.
Addressing the congress, NLO officials praised the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for his continued support of grassroots football.
They credited his administration for creating an enabling environment that has helped elevate the league’s profile and competitiveness, while also driving the broader vision of advancing Nigerian football at both local and international levels.
Chairman of the NLO Executive Board, Honourable Silas Agara, confirmed that the 2026 season is scheduled to kick off on Friday, April 10, 2026. He highlighted the achievements recorded over the past year, attributing them to strong collaboration between the League Board and the Secretariat.
According to Agara, the league has witnessed increased fan interest, improved media coverage and a noticeable rise in young talents progressing to national and international opportunities. He described the growing enthusiasm from sponsors and stakeholders as evidence of the league’s steady development.
A major highlight of the AGM was the unveiling of a rebranded NLO logo, following a newly announced strategic partnership with Zkyte Technology. The Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment described the collaboration as a significant step towards aligning the league with global best practices in branding and administration.
Agara explained that the new logo represents more than a visual change, noting that it reflects the NLO’s broader commitment to talent identification, player development and sustainable career pathways. He said the refreshed identity symbolises athleticism, excellence and the league’s role as a platform for over 300 clubs and academies across Division One and the U19 Youth League.
The AGM also approved amendments to the league’s rules and regulations ahead of the new season. Agara said the changes mark a new chapter for the NLO as it strengthens its operational framework and continues to invest in the future of football development.
It was further confirmed that the 2026 NLO season will be played on a home and away basis, with matches staged at the same centres.
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