NLO Cup 2026: Ogunnowo reveals motivation for revamped competition

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has introduced a revamped cup competition to address complaints from clubs over the limited number of matches in its existing league format, its Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo, has said.

The competition, which will feature clubs from Divisions One and Two, is scheduled to begin on 10 October, with participating teams required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of N1 million.

Mr Ogunnowo said the initiative was designed to accommodate clubs with different financial capacities while providing additional opportunities for players to compete and showcase their abilities.

Speaking in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, he said the league had received complaints from some clubs about the number of matches available to them, prompting the need for a format that could address their concerns without imposing additional financial burdens on others.

“As a responsible public body, we have to cater for all parties,” he said.

He explained that the NLO had sought to strike a balance between clubs financially capable of playing more matches and those with limited resources.

While the league has retained its stadium-based format for Divisions One and Two, the new cup competition offers an additional option for clubs willing and able to participate in more fixtures.

“We have modelled a stadium league for Division One and Two in the Nationwide League. We now came up with another competition, a cup competition like we have across Europe, for clubs in both divisions that can afford to play,” he said.

Mr Ogunnowo said the league was encouraged by the feedback received since announcing the innovation, adding that many clubs had expressed satisfaction with the initiative.

Home-and-away format, N1m registration fee

In a circular dated 14 September, the NLO Secretariat outlined the registration requirements and operational guidelines for the remodelled competition.

According to the document signed by Mr Ogunnowo, interested clubs in Divisions One and Two must pay a non-refundable registration fee of N1 million, which the league said would cover match logistics.

Payments are to be made into the league’s designated FCMB account, with clubs required to forward evidence of payment to the secretariat for verification and registration clearance.

The competition will adopt a regional home-and-away format, allowing participating clubs to select their preferred home grounds.

Clubs facing logistical difficulties or located close to one another may share facilities, subject to approval by the NLO Secretariat, to ensure smooth fixture scheduling.

Participating teams are also required to submit their proposed home grounds ahead of the competition to facilitate zonal allocation and fixture arrangements.

NLO targets global exposure for players

Beyond providing additional matches, the league is positioning the competition as a platform for improving players’ visibility and creating opportunities for international career progression.

The NLO said all matches would be livestreamed on its official platform, enabling international scouts, club directors and foreign representatives to monitor players’ performances in real time.

The initiative will be supported by three technology partners: FutbalConnect, SofaScore and Zkyte Technologies.

FutbalConnect will facilitate connections between players and international scouts, agencies and clubs, while SofaScore will provide live scores, player statistics and performance analytics.

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Zkyte Technologies will handle streaming delivery, digital infrastructure and broadcasting technology.

The league has also directed participating clubs to update their team rosters and player profiles ahead of digital media registration and broadcast profiling.

It said the digital coverage was part of its broader efforts to enhance players’ exposure, improve returns on investment for clubs and support talent development.

The NLO Cup’s introduction comes as the league seeks to expand competitive opportunities within Nigeria’s lower-tier football structure while recognising the financial realities facing participating clubs.

By maintaining its existing league format alongside the additional cup competition, the NLO is seeking to give clubs greater flexibility in determining their level of participation without making the expanded schedule compulsory for all teams.