The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the New Year Mega Lottery-Nationwide League One (NLO), held virtually on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, reaffirmed its commitment to the stadium league format, citing its numerous advantages in ensuring a fair and well-regulated competition.
Initially introduced in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the single-leg stadium league format has proven to be highly effective.
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The Congress highlighted key benefits, including the elimination of walkovers, minimal disputes, and improved match monitoring to enforce compliance with league regulations. Notably, the format has drastically reduced manipulations by club officials and curbed biased officiating, ensuring a level playing field for all teams.
By centralizing matches in approved stadiums, the NLO has been able to create a more professional atmosphere while streamlining logistical challenges.
The Congress commended the league’s progress and expressed confidence that maintaining this format would further strengthen the integrity and competitiveness of Nigeria’s grassroots football.
As part of this resolution, matches will continue to be played in TV-friendly stadiums across the country, with the NLO Secretariat responsible for selecting venues based on those previously approved by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for professional league matches.
The Congress also urged clubs to adapt to this structure, emphasizing its role in fostering transparency, discipline, and the overall growth of the league.
With the stadium league format now a permanent feature, the NLO is poised to set new standards for grassroots football, ensuring a more structured and credible pathway for young talents aiming to transition into professional football.
 of the New Year Mega Lottery-Nationwide League One (NLO), held virtually on Wednesday, February){kind=link}