Nigeria National League unveils 2026/27 conference structure

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced its conference structure for the 2026/27 season. The current plan divides 34 participating clubs into four groups: Conferences A and B will each contain nine teams, while Conferences C and D will consist of eight clubs each.

Sunshine Stars Technical Adviser Duke Udi has expressed support for a proposed alternative format that would establish 20-team Northern and Southern Conferences. If ratified at the NNL Annual General Meeting in Owerri, this format would result in 38 rounds of matches per conference, with two teams from each conference earning promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Udi noted that Sunshine Stars currently has the backing of the Ondo State Government and club chairman Honourable Divine Ogbonnaya to secure a return to the top flight.