The Nigeria National League barred several indebted clubs, including Akwa United and Heartland FC, from registering.
Officials said debts to players and staff must be cleared before the new season starts.
The Nigeria National League (NNL) has barred several indebted clubs, including former NPFL champions Akwa United and Heartland FC, from registering for the upcoming 2025/2026 season until they settle outstanding debts owed to players, coaches, and administrators.
In a circular dated September 9, 2025, and signed by Chief Operating Officer Danlami Alanana, the league body emphasized that only clubs providing verifiable evidence of compliance with rulings from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players’ Status and Arbitration Committee (PSAC) will be cleared for registration.
Clubs Affected
The embargo affects recently relegated NPFL sides:
- Akwa United FC
- Heartland FC
- Gombe United
- Lobi Stars
- Sunshine Stars
The NNL said the measure was necessary to safeguard the welfare of players and staff, while promoting professionalism and financial discipline within Nigeria’s second-tier league.
“Clubs indebted to players, coaches, and administrators with cases adjudicated by the NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee must comply with the committee’s decisions. Compliance is mandatory before clubs will be allowed to register,” the circular read.
The league further warned that non-compliance could lead to exclusion from league activities, potentially damaging both the competitive balance and commercial appeal of defaulting clubs.
