George Aluo-led NNL Board Partners TSM, Increases Super 4 Prize Money
By Our Reporter
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria National League (NNL) and the National Association of League Club Owners Managers (NALCOMA) have sent a strong warning to erring clubs and match officials, vowing to sanitize the league ahead of the second stanza of the 2025/2026 season.
In a communique issued after a mid-season retreat held on Tuesday at the Beyond Limits FC auditorium in Ikenne, Ogun State, the stakeholders expressed deep dissatisfaction with the “win-at-home-at-all-cost” syndrome and the rising cases of intimidation against match officials.
Zero Tolerance for Poor Officiating
The retreat, hosted by the Chairman of Remo Stars, Hon. Kunle Soname, took a hardline stance on officiating.
The body bemoaned the standard of refereeing in the first stanza, describing it as “unacceptable.”
To curb the trend, the NNL proposed the outright expulsion of any referee found compromising the laws of the game.
Furthermore, the league has requested that Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) referees be drafted to handle matches for the remainder of the season to ensure higher standards of integrity.
Clarifying the promotion criteria, the retreat reiterated that a Super 4 competition will determine the overall league winner.
In a move to enforce discipline, the NNL warned that any of the four qualified clubs that fails to participate will automatically forfeit its promotion status to the second-placed team in its conference.
On a brighter note, the board led by Chief George Aluo announced a proposed increase in the prize money for the Super 4, aimed at boosting competitiveness.
New Partnerships and Resumption
The NNL confirmed a new investment deal with Toptier Sports Management Ltd (TSM), charging the firm to activate the partnership before the league resumes. The board also lauded Betpawa for the prompt payment of the “Locker Room Bonus” and hinted at further material support for clubs.
The second stanza of the 2025/2026 season is officially scheduled to kick off on February 14, 2026. Clubs have been urged to finalize their mid-season transfers before the deadline.
The communique, signed by the drafting committee led by Mallam Ahmed Usman Egye, thanked NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) for his guidance.
However, it ended with a stern warning to fans and club administrators: any venue that promotes hooliganism or disrupts matches will face heavy penalties.
Both Chief George Aluo (NNL Chairman) and Mr. Godwin Enakhena (NALCOMA President) were commended for their collaborative efforts in attracting corporate partners to “the most important league in Nigeria.”
