Aba to Host NLO South-South and South-East Promotion Playoffs

Posted : 10 July 2026

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has confirmed the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, Abia State, as the host venue for the 2026 South-South and South-East Promotion Playoffs. The decisive tournament will take place from July 29 to August 2, with clubs battling for promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL).

The confirmation was conveyed in an official letter signed by the league's Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo, and addressed to the Abia State Football Association. The NLO urged the state FA to work closely with the league to ensure the successful organisation of the five-day competition.

According to the directive, all qualified clubs must arrive in Aba on or before July 28 for the mandatory pre-tournament technical meeting. The meeting will provide clubs with final competition guidelines, operational procedures, and other requirements ahead of the opening fixtures.

The league also instructed every participating club to pay a registration fee of ₦200,000 into the designated NLO bank account before the commencement of the playoffs. State Football Associations have been directed to ensure that all qualified teams complete their documentation, registration processes, and player verification before travelling to the venue.

In addition, the NLO confirmed that detailed fixtures, venue logistics, and operational guidelines have already been distributed to participating clubs through their respective State Football Associations. This is intended to ensure smooth preparations and minimise administrative challenges before the tournament begins.

The promotion playoffs represent the final hurdle for clubs hoping to secure a place in the Nigeria National League next season. The competition is expected to feature intense regional rivalries, with only the best-performing teams earning promotion from the South-South and South-East zones.

The NLO reiterated its commitment to maintaining high organisational standards throughout the competition. League officials warned that there will be zero tolerance for indiscipline, late arrival of teams, or failure to produce valid player licences during inspection. Clubs that fail to meet the competition requirements risk disciplinary action or disqualification.

State Football Associations have also been urged to remind their clubs of the importance of fair play, professionalism, and strict compliance with league regulations throughout the promotion playoffs. The Aba tournament is expected to conclude another crucial phase of the 2026 NLO season as clubs compete for a place in Nigeria's second-tier professional league.

Aba to Host NLO South-South and South-East Promotion Playoffs

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