NLO sends Ogunnowo, others to sports business refresher course

 

In its quest to make the Nationwide League One a more valuable asset and attract corporate sponsors/partners, top management staff of the NLO will be seeking academic knowledge and skills to pursue global business. 

They will, on Tuesday, November 12, through Friday, November 14, attend a 3-day Refreshers course in Sports Business Administration. 

Attending the course are the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Olushola Ogunnowo, Temitayo Egbayelo (League Manager), and Tunde Shamsudeen, the NLO's Media Director. 

The course curriculum includes administration and operations, digital branding and corporate communications, stakeholder management, and sports marketing and sponsorship. 

Ogunnowo, who spoke with the NLO Media Channel, said: "Sports business is a thriving multi-million dollar industry that is set to grow exponentially in Africa. At the NLO, we are poised to seeing clubs make good returns from their investments. 

"Unfortunately, with more than 300 clubs, football academies, and overwhelming talents, the NLO remains the biggest league in Africa, yet the business part of the sport is untapped. 

"Looking at the growing number of the clubs and academies, the NLO I would say is in its exciting stages of its development, so we don't want to leave nothing to chance to ensure.

"One of the essence of this refresher training courses is to take us back to basics so we can review fundamentals we may have forgotten or upskill on new information we may be unaware of. 

"It will help increase efficiency, knowledge retention, and our awareness of new football business trends."

NLO top brass meets Bayelsa government officials over grassroots football development

 

Chief Operating Officer Olushola Ogunnowo and League Manager Tayo Egbaiyelo (MON) during the week had a productive meeting with the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. 

The meeting in Yenegoa also had House Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Tare Porri, Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS), Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Development in Bayelsa State, Mrs. Alagoa-Aigbiniode Grace in attendance.

Chief Operating Officer (COO), Olushola Ogunnowo, told NLO Media Channel. 

"We had a robust and successful deliberations with His Excellency, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and other key government officials in Bayelsa's sports sector, on how the state can inculcate one of NLO's major activities into its football programmes. 

"Governor Douye Diri deserves all the accolades he has been getting as his 'Prosperity Administration’ has impacted meaningfully on the youths via football and other sports. 

"Being a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Governor Diri's unparalleled commitment to sports is unmatched, as he has prioritised the development of sports as a tool to positively engage the youths in the state.

"No wonder Bayelsa is now ascribed as the Mecca of sports in Nigeria and home of grassroots football with the Prosperity Cup. 

"As the apex body coordinating grassroot football in the country and the largest teams and academies in Africa, the recent Afriskaut NLO Cup partnership has become one the most prestigious sporting events, showcasing our best talents to top clubs in Europe and of course, a global audience."

"Hosting one of NLO's major events at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenegoa will complement Governor Diri's agenda on grassroot football development," he said. 

Afriskaut NLO Cup set to kickoff in October

 

The 2024 edition of the NLO Cup, sponsored by Afriskaut, will kick off in October, with the Bwari Stadium and Dipo Dina Stadium hosting the championship. 

In a correspondence dated 7th September to affiliate clubs that excelled in the just concluded NLO regular league season, informed of the date. 

The NLO CUP, a tournament designed by the Board of the Nationwide League One will enable the Champion clubs to compete among themselves and also use the event as a platform for the NLO to showcase the best talents in Nigeria's Grassroots League.

NAEMO Sports, which is one of NLO's partners, will use one of its affiliate brands (Afriskaut) to sponsor the event, which will commence on 5th October 2024 and run until the final on Sunday 20th.

The Bwari Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory will host the Northern Conference while the Dipo Dina Stadium Ijebu-Ode will host the Southern Conference.

The event, according to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO, Olushola Ogunnowo, will enable Afriskaut to use their AI-driven technology data collection to assist the clubs in exposing their players to the world while the clubs go into an agreement on a full-time basis to further the relationship of players' data collection, which is the key in promoting and chatting a pathway for the grassroots football clubs players to the world.

The NLO Secretariat will contact the qualified clubs individually for enrollment to enable the league body to have a perfect tournament.

Afriskaut's data-driven approach powers NLO Cup

 

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has played a critical role in the development of Nigerian football by consistently supplying top talents to the Nigerian national teams, European and African teams, likewise the Nigeria Premier Football League and Nigeria National League clubs. 

Established formally under the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in 2008, the league has become a foundational platform for young players across Nigeria to showcase their talents and Afriskaut is proud to partner with the Nationwide League One to sponsor the NLO Cup.

Afriskaut's partnership with the NLO is a perfect blend of the league's rich history of player development and Afriskaut's cutting-edge expertise in data-driven football scouting and players analytics.

Afriskaut aims to create a benchmark for youth talent in Nigerian football and brings its expertise in football talent identification, data-driven insights, and marketing to elevate the league's profile and the players within it.

Afriskaut will employ cutting-edge technology to collect and analyze vital player data as well as key football parameters, including speed, distance covered, key passes, assists, and more.

This data will not only enhance player development but also provide scouts and clubs with the necessary tools to make informed decisions, ensuring that Nigerian football talent is showcased on the world stage.

The Afriskaut sponsorship agreement was sealed with executives of Afriskaut and the NLO Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo.

Ogunnowo highlighted the significance of the partnership while speaking with the NLO Media Department, saying, “This partnership with Afriskaut for the NLO Cup for the next five years is a historic step for Nigeria's football growth, and demonstrating the Secretariat deep-rooted commitment to the over 400 clubs in the nation's third division league. 

"The NLO Cup tournament is organized to determine the champion from the eight (8) Nationwide League One teams and 17 Nationwide U19 Youth League teams that gained promotion to Nigeria National League and NLO Division One. 

"It's also more of a scientific scouting with Ai technology event geared towards helping the teams expose their players to the international market. 

"With the sponsorship, the NLO Cup will become one the most prestigious sporting events, showcasing our best talents to top clubs in Europe and off course, a global audience."

This collaboration is a significant step toward raising the visibility and credibility of Nigerian football, with the NLO Cup set to become a premier event that reflects the highest standards of youth football excellence.

NTA Sports, Blend TV to beam New Year Mega Lottery NLO season opening game

 

The Secretariat of the nation's third-tier league has informed that Africa's largest television network, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), via its sports channel and Blend TV will show the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One season-opening game. 

The Ahmadu Bello Stadium is billed to host the Kaduna Centre Match 1 fixture between  Kaduna United and Yoca Crocodiles FC at 3 pm on Saturday. 

Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo told NLO Media Channel of the development. 

 “We are delighted to be able to showcase the best of the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One football live "To our million viewers across Nigeria and beyond."

"The opening new season match between Kaduna United and Yoca Crocodiles FC will be broadcast live on NLO TV and Blend TV. 

"The live broadcast on NTA Sports will be delayed owing to a advertorial, while it will go live on Blend TV. 

"With the season hitting the ground running with live broadcast of our official first match, we intend to show Nigerians the quality of its grassroot football, and to the globe the abundant potential in it, in terms of raw talents. 

"However, besides Saturday's opening season match, selected 2024 NLO matches from other centres as of the 20th will be on live stream, so am urging fans to subscribe to our TV Channels on YouTube via Nationwide League One TV and NLO TV 001.

2024 NLO champions to get 18 Seater Bus worth #30m from New Year Mega Lottery

The start of 2024 Nationwide League One season will offer clubs a chance for glory, as the overall winner of the NLO Division One will drive home a 18 seater bus worth ₦30m courtesy of title sponsor New Year Mega Lottery. 

Nationwide League One Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunnowo broke the news to the league media department while rolling out the other benefits of the multimillion naira sponsorship deal with New Year Mega Lottery. 

According to Ogunnowo: "New Year Mega Lottery will give the winner of the league a 18 Seater Bus worth #30 million Naira and that would run for four years.

"As Title Sponsor for the next four years, New Year Mega Lottery will offset 30% of the club’s expenses during the league matches, thereby NLO will not increase the participation fees to proposed ₦300, 000 and still maintain the ₦200, 000.

"The lottery firm who's licensed by the Nigeria Lottery Commission will provide five match balls for all the registered clubs in the nation's third-tier league. 

"New Year Mega Lottery will support the NLO star matches to be shown on National TV stations. The company will also provide the right sleeve badges for all the players jerseys."

Furthermore, "New Year Mega Lottery will open a window whereby club owners can be agents under the lottery company, this is another revenue stream for the clubs," Ogunnowo noted.

NLO unveils three technical partners to accelerate growth, development

 

The Nationwide League One (NLO) on Thursday announced its technical partners in Abuja, to drive referral revenue, generate quality leads, and accelerate growth in Nigeria’s third-tier domestic football division.

The Chairman of NLO, His Excellency Silas Agara, named three technical partners: Sofascore, SportsMeetTech, and Naemosports. 

Sofascore, a Croatian sports-tracking platform with over 25 million active monthly users worldwide, has partnered with NLO to assist in bringing on board all other leagues in Nigeria. This partnership is not based on any monetary value but on shared benefits in developing the league. 

SportsMeetTech, an IT firm, will develop a website and social media channels for all NLO clubs. They will also train club officials on how to manage the sites and commercialize them to generate funds to support their clubs. The revenue will be shared between NLO, clubs, and SMT.

Naemosports, a data company, will facilitate talent discovery with the use of technology. They will access NLO’s data, and the benefits will be on revenue sharing when the data are sold. NLO has a device to monitor what they do with the data.

New Year Mega Lottery splashes #964 million sponsorship on NLO

The Nationwide League One has announced a deal worth a staggering sum of N964 million as a sponsorship deal with New Year Mega Lottery. 

This sponsorship will make New Year Mega Lottery the official Title Sponsor of the third-tier domestic football league in Nigeria for the next four seasons.

The NLO signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) with New Year Mega Lottery at a special signing and unveiling event held at the Harris Hotel, Wuye in Abuja on Thursday, March 14th, in Abuja.

The announcement was made by the former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State now NLO Chairman, His Excellency Silas Agara, during the unveiling of New Year Mega Lottery to the media.

Agara provided a detailed breakdown of the sponsorship deal, stating that the Nigerian licensed lottery company will provide an annual payment of 241 Million Naira in cash and value in kind, totalling a sum of #964,000,000 Naira for the four seasons of the sponsorship deal.

"New Year Mega Lottery is a Nigerian firm and lottery company licensed by the Nigeria Lottery Commission; they will be our Title Sponsor for the NLO. 

"The sponsorship deal will run for four seasons and of Two Hundred And Forty-One Million Naira (N241, 000, 000) annually (both Cash and Value in kind). With the annual payment totalling the sum of N964, 000, 000, 00 (Nine Hundred And Sixty-Four Million Naira).

“This sponsorship recognises NLO not just as a football body but also acknowledges our position as the league with the single-biggest football talent base in Africa.”

The collaboration between the Nationwide League One and New Year Mega Lottery is intended to effectively promote and elevate the status of grassroots football in the country, aiming to establish it as a prominent Nigerian spectacle and one of the most flourishing and appealing leagues on the continent.

In her address during the epoch-making occasion the representative of New Year Mega Lottery, Ms. Obiorah Emmanuella, Head of Corporate Communications, said it was the firm passion for football and humanitarian commitments that have compelled them to sponsor the NLO.

She also canvassed for the support of other well-meaning Nigerians to ensure grassroots football continues to flourish.

She said: “We are thrilled to enter this sponsorship deal with the Nationwide League One (NLO) and engage a large audience through our brand. It is for the love of soccer and a prioritized social responsibility in line with our humanitarian commitments, that prompted us to sponsor the NLO.

“Through this collaboration, we are also excited to connect with the future generation of football athletes at the grassroots level across Nigeria and help them grow. The company’s strong commitment to nurturing and empowering talents, fostering opportunities, and gratifying fans within its market are among the primary motivations for aligning with the NLO.

“I want to use this medium to urge other well-meaning Nigerians to get involved in the development of these laudable sports to enable the country to attain its expected height in world football,” she said.

By sponsoring the NLO until 2027, New Year Mega Lottery is building on its rich history as a frontline provider of job creation and empowerment through sports and education in Nigeria.

Alkali showers encomium on Ogunnowo on birthday anniversary

Erstwhile Chairman of the Nationwide League One, Mohammed Alkali has poured glowing tributes on the Chief Operating Officer of the nation's third-tier domestic football league Olushola Ogunnowo on his birthday celebration.

Ogunnowo celebrates his birthday today Tuesday March 5, and Alkali, a former Executive Member of the Nigeria Football Federation, joined his family and friends to celebrate the brilliant football administrator.

Alkali congratulated Ogunnowo and expressed his delight, saying that he was celebrating with him, his family, friends, Nigeria's football family, and the over 300 NLO Clubs and Football Academies. 

He described Ogunowo as a thoroughbred football administrator whose years of experience, work ethic, and output in seeing Nigeria's grassroots football development are second to none. 

Alkali also expressed his appreciation for the good working relationship they had during his time as the head of NLO and noted that the league has achieved different success stories since he left under Ogunnowo's leadership.

Finally, Alkali wished Ogunnowo good health and challenged him to keep up the good work to ensure that the NLO remains a brand not just in Nigeria but also in the outside world.

NLO announces MTN as headline sponsor of inaugural cup tournament

The Nationwide League One (NLO) is proud to announce top telecommunications brand in Nigeria, MTN as the headline sponsor of the NLO Cup.

Sixteen best teams will ignite the maiden edition of the NLO Cup which kicks off on November 24 to December 9 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano and Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo.

Chairman of the nation's third-tier league His Excellency. Silas Agara announced the groundbreaking development to NLO Media Channel on Monday.

"On behalf of the leadership of the NLO, we are delighted to announce MTN as the headline sponsor of the NLO Cup. 

"The NLO Cup tourney was conceived as a medium to celebrate teams that have excelled in the graduation from the State League to NLO U19 and from the Youth League to the NLO Division One.

"The credibility of the NLO over time has made MTN pitch their tent to the nation's third-tier domestic league for this project. The project is a success of this partnership in a discussion of over two years, with NLO and MTN to have come to this stage.

"MTN as a responsible corporate organization wants to support Nigerian youths through grassroot football development, as they have identified football as the major source of joy for over 60 percent of the youths.

"The telecommunications brand has identified the Nationwide League One  (NLO) as the most critical source and reliable partner to achieve that aim; at the same time.

"MTN will be using the NLO to push their MoMo Money to the minds of all Nigerian youths as a safe platform, to save, do business with their money, and a whole lot of things.

"They will also be dishing out a whole lot of freebies and gift items,  to youths that hit the stadium to watch the NLO Cup matches. The telecommunications brand wants to rejuvenate the way Nigerian youths participate in football.

#MTNNLOCup23

Kano, Uyo to host 16 teams in NLO Cup

 

The ancient city of Kano and the natural beauty of Uyo will host 16 best teams in the grassroots league in the maiden Nationwide League One- NLO Cup billed to kick off on Friday, November 24 through Saturday, December 9, 2023.

Speaking with NLO Media Channel, Chief Operating Officer Olushola Ogunnowo rolled out plans for the first edition of the NLO Cup.

"The Nationwide League One, as the third cadre league in Nigeria has decided to showcase some of the best teams in the grassroots league in a tournament tagged "NLO CUP" that will cap the activities of NLO. 

"This is the maiden edition and the teams involved were carefully selected across the federation, with the best interest of our new sponsors, who will be unveiled soon.

"The NLO Cup is a prestigious tournament that brings together top clubs from the Nationwide League One in an exciting display of talent and sportsmanship. 

"It offers fantastic opportunities for clubs to gain exposure, compete at the highest level, and create lasting memories. 

"NLO Cup tourney will be centered around 16 teams, as Kano and Uyo will host eight (8) teams each of two groups, made up of four (4) teams, and is scheduled to kick off on the 24th of November to 9th of December 2023 and promises to be an unforgettable event for teams and spectators alike.

"The Sani Abacha Stadium and  Godswill Akpabio Stadium will host the group matches, while the Bwari Stadium in Abuja is billed to host the grand finale.

"Furthermore, the NLO has made arrangements for comfortable accommodation and transportation subsidies for all participating teams during the duration of the tournament."

NLO CUP GROUPINGS

Group 1 A

Tudun Wada FC - Kano State

Likeminds FC - FCT

Barau/Muritala FC - Kano State

Zeal Mind FC - Benue State

Group 1 B

Kwankwasiyya FC - Kano State

Green Lock FC - FCT

FC Sheika - Kano State

Na Royal - Kwara State

Group 2 A

Palm Syrup FC - Akwa Ibom

Krane FC - Akwa Ibom

Roro FC - Lagos State

Jaguar FC - Abia State

Group 2 B

Olegacy FC - Akwa Ibom

Kun Khalifa - Imo State

Mavlon FC - Lagos State

Vandrezzer JNR FC - Akwa Ibom

Former NFF Board Member, Emeka Inyama hails NLO on Super Cup

 

Former NNL Chairman and NFF Executive Committee Member, High Chief Emeka Inyama, has poured praises on the board of the Nationwide League One over the organization of the inagural NLO/ Ikukuoma Super Cup in Ihitte/Uboma.

The tournament hit its climax on Saturday with Tudun Wada and Ave FC set to spark fireworks at the final billed for the Uboma Secondary School Stadium complex. 

Inyama while urging the NLO to remain consistent in its drive to rebrand Nigeria's football foundation said.

"I'm impressed with what I've seen, watched good football, seen talented young players and off course a wonderful facility. The matches have been fantastic for the level of football. This is how it should be, as football in Nigeria has to be foundational.

"I want to give credit to the Nationwide League One (NLO) for a top notch organization of the the U19 Youth League Super Cup. It's also interesting that all the matches played have been live streamed for the world to see the quality of third-tier league.

"Big kudos to the NLO Board, Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo and every staff that have added one or two inputs to the successful hosting of the NLO/ Ikukuoma Super Cup in Ihitte/Uboma. I think from here, the NLO should take it to the next level as step-by-step, our football will be back."

The former Abia Warriors boss who drove from Umuahia-Abia State to Ihitte/Uboma in Imo State to watch one of the second round matches, was amazed at the level of things on ground.

"I've been on a short break away from football, and just returned to the country from abroad, so I learnt of the tournament and off course decided to hit the road to Ihitte/Uboma.

"Don't forget that am into grassroot football as I founded one of the best football school in the country, this is the next level for them. My trip here too will avail me the chance to also learn one or two things from here, as learning never ends as its a continuous thing. So am impressed.

"Consistently over the years, the Nationwide League One management have done well. They have always set standards and raising the stakes as far as football at this level is concern.

"I must commend Ogunnowo for the brilliant job he and his team have done for the NLO, as they have made it the third-tier league a top football brand that Nigerians want to affiliate with. I just have one word for them, as that's, they shouldn't rest on their oars, as a lot is still expected."

Ogunnowo announces September 5 as NLO Super Cup kickoff date, explains modalities

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nationwide League One, Olushola Ogunnowo has announced Tuesday September 5 through Saturday September 16, 2023 as the kick-off date for the NLO Youth League Super Cup, as he  revealed that there would be two wild card teams that will also take part in the competition with more clarifications in the coming days. 

"We are looking to commence it from 5th to 16th September. It is a full 10 days of football activities. The competition will boost the economy of Imo State because 18 football clubs and about 30 match delegates among others will be in the state by then."

Ogunnowo, further explained modalities for the Youth League Super Cup, as he assured that foreign scouts, members of the Technical Department of the NFF, and some national team coaches would storm Owerri to discover talents. 

He acknowledged the adulation from Nigerians and overseas for the NLO conduct of the Youth League and further itemized reasons for the Super Cup while also adding that different steps including live stream of all games have been concluded to ensure the NLO continue to have its rave review and tractions.

"This is going to be the first of its kind in the history of youth football in Nigeria. The NLO decided to take the bull by the horns to start a Youth League in the country," Ogunnowo said why fielding questions from journalists after the signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation.

"We have received so many applause both within and outside the country. We decided it was not best for the teams to just play the league and stop there. The 18 teams that will take part and additional two wild cards have already been promoted to NLO but we want to come up with a championship whereby we can come up with a single winner for the Youth League in the country. 

"The tournament will be keenly contested and we have invited foreign scouts to be part of what we are doing. We are inviting close to eight sporting directors from different leagues across the world to come and see our talents from the Youth League. 

"Nigeria Football Federation Technical Department will be on ground while notable coaches in the country will also be around to see the best that can be showcased from the NLO. 

"The NLO is the only league that has a broadcasting department because we stream live most of our matches. We streamed live over 144 matches in the just concluded NLO Division 1. In the NLO Division 2 (Youth League), we streamed live close to 200 matches. All the matches to be played during the championship will be live streamed to be watched in all parts of the world."

Silas Agara stresses need for robust synergy with media to attract sponsors for NLO

 

Former Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Silas Agara has stressed the need for the Nationwide League One to have a good synergy with the media, as it bids to getting brands attention by way of sponsorships. 

Agara, who leads the newly constituted Board of the nation's third-tier domestic football league in his first official interaction with NLO Media Channel talked about his Board's plans.

"Its an opportunity to serve, I’m always available when my services is needed. This is a call to duty, provide leadership to our teeming youths, with Board Members cut across the six geo-political zones. We met once as a board, immediately after the inauguration and set agendas for ourselves. 

"We hope to meet in the next few days to review the entire structure of the Nationwide League One. We are quite aware of the challenges on ground, they’re surmountable. Luckily, we have persons that are knowledgeable in the league, who are proprietors of some of the clubs and are members of the board. With their worth of experience and that of the two State Football Association (State FA) Chairmen on the Board, it's certain we can make a headway.

"This a league that has over 300 clubs, a platform where you have young Nigerians with the age bracket of 14 to 19-years-old, plying their trade and looking for opportunities to get exposed. The challenges are there, however too early to make public our plans as we have just been inaugurated but I can assure you that there is going to be a change of direction."

"We want to have a good synergy with the media, as that’s the best way we can showcase the NLO. We can do this by getting the right reportage and off course brands that will sponsor the league. Without the right media coverage of NLO activities to a global audience, sponsorship won’t come.

"We need the media to reach out to these top brands, and off course intending sponsors have to rely on the good reportage of the league and not negative ones, for them to make critical decisions. If we don't have that understanding with the media, we can't fly our kite regarding sponsorship. We also need to woo the media and bring our plans to the league on the table for them to see and help us reach out to Nigerians.

"The need to getting our officiating right is also another key area we want to look into. Once we have officiating in the league professionally done, with match officials well catered for and not left at the mercies of clubs, footing the bills, this will bring some level of sanity to the league.

"We’re also looking at the home and away match format, and the different ones for the league, to see how we can reduce the burden for the clubs, as many are not making profits yet. At the moment, I will plead with Nigerians to give the new NLO Board a few time, with the assurance that in the next week's, we should be able to take proper stock of what is on ground, know the reforms to introduce and above all get the right sponsors for the league.

I'm delighted with what I have seen on ground, the Chief Operating Officer (Olushola Ogunnowo) has done well for the league and now he has got a Board that will support him."

3

On plans for next season's NLO Youth League: "We are monitoring events at this edition and surely will proffer solutions to the loopholes from what we have seen from the maiden edition. The Board, really has no much time as our tenure is for two years, however, since we have been given the marching order by the NFF, our job is to address issues and improve on what's on ground."

NLO sends Choice FC from Youth League, hands two year ban on officials

With compliance with rules and regulations, the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) has expelled Choice Football Club of Ado-Ekiti from the inaugural Youth League from immediate effect.

The swift action by the nation’s third-tier domestic football league came about after its Secretariat received the Coordinator and officials report from Akure Center of the on-going Nationwide Youth League.

A correspondence from the NLO Media Department cited the Center Coordinator and the match officials report, that Choice FC voluntarily withdrew from the ongoing league without any reason and notification.

The singular action has a series of negative impact on the integrity of the league and other participating clubs as well; thus, the Nationwide League One Secretariat hereby wishes to draw the attention of Choice FC to the implications as clearly stated in the NLO rules and regulations.

The NLO rule book states in article 2.06 (4), that No Club can withdraw after the commencement of the season. If a club withdraws; it shall be expelled from the competition and will not be eligible for readmission. All officials of such clubs shall be banned for (2) years.

Sequel to the above, Choice FC is hereby expelled from the Nationwide League One and all the Officials registered with Nationwide League One Secretariat are hereby banned for Two (2) Years from football activities.

This decision shall be communicated to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for Nationwide Ban and possibly to CAF and FIFA ban.

NLO charges clubs to strengthen media department to gain more visibilities

 

The Nationwide League One (NLO) Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo has charged clubs to have a functional media department with a view to showcasing their brand.

Ogunnowo gave the charge on Tuesday, during a one-day capacity-building workshop organized by the nation's third-tier football league, for Media Officers/Practitioners/Social Media Managers held at the Press Centre of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kano State Chapter.

NLO Media Officer Tunde Shamsudeen, schooled the North West media officer on topics ranging from -Creating compelling and engaging club content for fans and media. Strategies for media relationship management and most importantly Using social media platforms for effective communication.

"The media is crucial to football development, and one of the positives from the workshop is to sensitize the clubs in the north of the need to have capable media managers to showcase the clubs talents to the football market, and also help drive funds to their clubs," said Olushola.

"The NLO doesn't intend to sanction any club without a media manager, rather it intends to encourage clubs to take advantage of the media to effectively use it to promote their talented players to the football market, by way of uploading their match clips on their YouTube Channels and other social media platforms, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram."

As regards the NLO opening season star game, a Kano Derby between Kano Pillars Jnr and Kwankwansiya FC.

"From what we have gathered since the NLO contingent arrived in Kano on Monday, a cracker is expected as the Sani Abacha Stadium will explode with massive turnout of fans, as both teams have a huge fan base.

"On our part, the NLO have put in place all logistics to ensure a hitch-free game as football is about entertainment."

The workshop which was engaging and rich with contents from Shamsudeen, was largely attended by members of the forth estate of the realm in the Groundnut Pyramid City.

Vice President (North) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Alhaji Lurwanu Malikawa, and other participants were presented with certificates of participation.

Nationwide League One: A decade of growth, professionalization, opportunities

 

The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) held a media briefing at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Wednesday April 26, 2023, to update sponsors, corporate organisations, and football stakeholders on its activities over the past decade. 

The theme of the event was "2013-2022: A Decade of Growth," which celebrated the league's achievements over the past 10 years while highlighting its objectives and future plans.

The NLO is Nigeria's third-tier football league and in 2022 (the last year of the decade in question), had 344 clubs spread across the country's six geopolitical zones and the FCT. The league provides young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential while promoting community, respect, inclusivity, and growth. 

With over 20,000 players, coaches, officials, and over 8,000,000 match-day attendance per season, the NLO represents a significant opportunity for businesses to achieve their objectives.

The NLO's primary objectives are to reposition the league as a key resource base for other local and international leagues, professionalize its operations, and generate interest from corporate organizations. 

To achieve these objectives, the league has adopted a growth strategy anchored on good corporate governance, administration and management reforms, implementation of reforms in its season operations, and activation of strong brand-building initiatives.

According to Olushola Ogunnowo, NLO's Chief Operating Officer, "Our goal is to make NLO the access market for grassroots football in Nigeria and the youth football target market. We aim to produce the highest number of youths participating in the NLO at the grassroots level and continue to strive for and maintain official recognition of the Youth League from FIFA and increased interest from foreign clubs because of our Youth League."

Ms. Nkechi Obi, NLO’s Marketing Consultant over the past decade, emphasized the importance of NLO's success in becoming recognized as the access market for grassroots football in Nigeria. She stated that "NLO Product Consolidation is driven by deliberate brand optimization and value chain development, partnerships, and sustainable community engagement, as well as media activations and content creation." She also stated that full details of NLO’s 2023-2032 Decade of Consolidation will be made public at the Official Unveiling of NLO Partners and Season Activation Plans in May.

From 2023 Season, NLO will have only Two Divisions instead of three with Divisions II and III merged into the Youth League. 

The new NLO will feature 420 Clubs, kicking off on May 3rd with a Season Opening Game to be played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano and feature Kano Pillars Jnr against Kwankwasiya United FC in what promises to be a cracking game.

The NLO has made significant progress in achieving its objectives over the past decade, with the league becoming the highest exporter of talent to foreign leagues. 

However, the league aims to do more, and with its growth strategy, it intends to professionalize its operations and generate more interest from corporate organizations. 

NLO is committed to its primary objectives and its vision to provide young Nigerians with the opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential while promoting community, respect, inclusivity, and growth.

NLO rolls out programmes for 2023 Season kickoff

 

It will be a defining months of activities, starting this week for the Nationwide League One (NLO), as its Secretariat has put all in place for the kickoff of the 2023 season.

The NLO is the nation's third-tier domestic league with more than 300 teams and academics battling it out.

The Secretariat unveiled a two weeks programme that will define the smooth commencement of the season.

According to its Media Channel, the NLO will hold a press briefing on Wednesday 26th April, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere-Lagos where it will address the media of activities lined up for the year and the unveiling of it's new sponsors, the biggest of them a telecommunications giants in May. 

A week later, the 2023 Division One season will kick off with the curtain raiser, a Kano Derby between Kano Pillars Jnr and Kwankwasiya FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Wednesday, May 3rd.

On June 7th, the maiden Youth League season kicks off across venues in Nigeria.

The NLO Youth League is a merger of the Division 2 and Division 3, as contained in the five years master plans approved by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The league has an age limit cap of between 16-19, as it's a way to checkmate age cheat.

Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO, Olushola Ogunnowo said: "It has been months of strategic planning by the NLO Secretariat and we are delighted that the season will kick off in less than two weeks. 

"To herald the season, our new sponsors and partners totaling about five or six will be made known to Nigerians in an unveiling in May.

"With all loose ends tightened, we are optimistic for a hitch-free and exciting season of grassroot football."

NLO gets more broadcast equipment to boost live telecast of matches

 

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has given its high definition live streaming broadcast production capacity a huge boost with the purchase of more equipment ahead of the 2023 season kickoff.

Poised to give its fans quality content and showcase the rich grassroot football culture of Nigeria to a larger audience, the NLO bought three each Canon XF 100 Handheld camcorder 2.37 MP CMOS Full HD Black Broadcast quality camera, core i7 HP Laptops, HDMI Video Capture, HDMI Cables, and generating sets, to compliment with the existing ones.

The boost of its production capacity entails that the NLO has now expanded its live stream broadcast of matches from the North West, North East, South-South, and South East regions.

NLO's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunnowo in a chat with the Media Department of the nation's third-tier league, gave a detailed insight into the Secretariat plans as regards the boost of its live stream production capacity.

"Like I did say when we launched the NLO TV app, across the world, live streaming in its many forms has become increasingly popular, as football fans can watch from their phone in Makurdi, a desktop user in Ikenne another on their laptop in Denmark, as all that's needed is a device and the right internet broadband.

"From this season, the NLO TV app will be very active with much content to view, as matches will be on live streaming from 18 of the Stadium League Venues selected by the NLO.

"This opens the possibilities of where the NLO content can be seen and by who. Also being able to live stream these matches on the NLO TV app and links,  gives the fan a greater essence of what it was like to be at any of the match venues.

"We also want to boost fan engagement, which is incredibly important to the NLO. The NLO intends to stir up fans' passion in the communities where the clubs are based weekly, by consistently giving high-definition content from the Stadium League venues.

"This is crucial to the growth of the NLO and the teams involved. The more fans talk about the clubs, players, and Nigeria's grassroot football, the broader the reach that they get.   

"Finally, the Nationwide League One also wants to earn a fair share from sponsorship and paid advertisements from brands as these are two key areas in which live streaming of matches can lead to new revenue."

NLO releases 33 approved stadia as league venues for 2023 Season

 

To hit the ground running, the Nationwide League One (NLO) has listed 33 Stadium League venues for the 2023 Division One season which is scheduled to kick off Wednesday, April 26.

The NLO Secretariat via its Media Channel on Thursday informed of the development clubs.

According to the nation's third-tier domestic league, the 33 Stadium League venues were strategically drawn each from the five geo-political zones, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In keeping with commitments made to clubs to ensure a hitch-free season, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunnowo said: "The 2023 NLO campaign will begin on April 26, with interesting fixtures in the 33 Stadium League venues that have been approved.

"The NLO TV app will be very active with much content as matches will be on live streaming from 18 of the Stadium League Venues selected by the NLO.

"Interestingly, NLO matches will also be live on blend TV, OTT which is majorly for sports.

"The 18 selected Stadium League Venues for live streaming, met the conditions set by the NLO Secretariat. 

"Three Stadium League Venues in Lagos,  two in Ogun and one each in Osogbo, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Niger and Katsina State will have matches on live streamed.

"Same as in the FCT, Imo, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo State."