By El-ameen Ibrahim
The Nigeria National League (NNL) held its 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bauchi on Saturday, where key decisions were made for the upcoming 2024/2025 season.
The AGM, attended by stakeholders across the league, approved the 2023/2024 league table presented by the NNL Secretariat.
In a communiqué released at the end of the meeting, the AGM reviewed and adopted amendments to the league’s framework, rules, and regulations. These amendments will serve as the guiding legal document for the 2024/2025 season.
New Initiatives for 2024/2025 Season
The AGM resolved to introduce monthly awards for outstanding performances in the new season.
Categories will include Best Goalkeeper, Best Coach, Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer, and Best Behaved Team. Also, referees will be eligible for the Best Performing Referee award.
Another key decision is the exclusive use of Prostar/NNL-branded balls and bibs for all NNL matches in the upcoming season.
Stadium and Team Regulations
The AGM reinforced its commitment to high standards, stating that only stadiums meeting the required NNL facility criteria will be approved for matches in the 2024/2025 season.
The new season will feature 36 clubs divided into four conferences, each with nine teams.
The 2024/2025 NNL season is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, November 30, 2024, with a star match. Other fixtures for match day one will take place a week later.
Financial Reports and Leadership Changes
The meeting also approved the 2023/2024 financial report, as well as the budget for the upcoming season.
During the AGM, new executives were elected to lead the NNL Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA).
Godwin Enakhena emerged as the new President of NALCOMA, while Boniface Alozie Uche of Abia Comets FC was elected as one of the club owners’ representatives on the NNL board.
The AGM passed a vote of confidence in the current NNL board, led by George Aluo, for its efforts in repositioning the league.
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Appreciation to Bauchi State and NFF
The NNL expressed gratitude to the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, for hosting the AGM and extended appreciation to the people of Bauchi for their warm hospitality.
The league also thanked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under the leadership of Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for its continued support.
Group Draws for the New Season
The draw for the 2024/2025 season was also conducted, with Wikki Tourists FC set to face Gombe United in an opening day showdown at Pantami Stadium, Gombe. Below are the group placements:
Group A
Sporting Lagos, Madiba FC, 1472 FC, Gateway United, Dakkada FC, Solution FC, Osun United, Warri Wolves, Kun Khalifa
Group B
Inter Lagos, First Bank, Smart City, Beyond Limits, Godswill Akpabio FC, Edel FC, Igbajo United, Rovers FC, Abia Comets
Group C
Kebbi United, Doma United, Coal City, Crown FC, Kada Warriors, Sporting Supreme, Emalex, Basira FC, Yobe United
Group D
Sokoto United, Gombe United, Mighty Jets International FC, Mailantarki Care FC, Zamfara United, Uejele FC, Barau FC, Wikki Tourists, Adamawa United
Group D
Matchday 1 Fixtures:
- Gombe United vs Wikki Tourists
- Ijele FC vs Zamfara United
- Mighty Jets FC vs Barau FC
- Adamawa United vs Mailantarki Care FC
The new season promises excitement as clubs battle for top honors starting November 30, 2024.
