NLO Fixes Oct. 10 for Revamped Cup, Sets N1m Registration Fee

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has fixed Oct. 10, 2026, for the kick-off of its revamped NLO Cup, with participating clubs required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of N1 million.
The NLO Secretariat disclosed this in a statement containing guidelines on the competition’s registration process, payment procedures, format and international broadcasting arrangements.
According to the statement issued on Tuesday, eligible clubs from NLO Division One and the NLO Youth League Under-19 are required to pay the fee to confirm their participation.
It said the payment would cover tournament logistics and should be made directly into the official FCMB Nationwide League One account.
The clubs are also required to submit proof of payment to the NLO Secretariat for verification, alongside details of their proposed home grounds, before the deadline to secure their zone placement.
The statement said the revamped competition would adopt a regional home-and-away format, with participating clubs allowed to select their preferred home grounds.
It added that clubs facing logistical challenges could, with the approval of the league, share grounds with nearby teams to ensure the smooth scheduling of fixtures.
The NLO said all matches would be live-streamed on its official platform as part of efforts to enhance players’ exposure, promote return on investment and support player development.
It said the digital coverage would allow international scouts, club directors and foreign agents to monitor players’ performances in real time.
The statement identified Futbol Connect, a global talent platform that links players with scouts, agencies and clubs worldwide, as one of the technology partners for the competition.
It added that SofaScore would provide live scores, detailed player statistics and analytics globally, while Zkyte Technologies would provide streaming, digital infrastructure and broadcasting technology.
The NLO further directed participating clubs to update their team rosters and player profiles for registration, digital media and broadcast purposes.
The league urged the clubs to maximise the digital exposure provided by the competition to improve their players’ chances of securing international opportunities.
Similarly, the NLO has fixed Sept. 19 to Sept. 27 for zonal play-offs involving State League winners and runners-up seeking entry into the NLO Division Two Under-19 Youth League.
NLO stated that the play-offs would determine teams eligible to participate in the Division Two Under-19 Youth League.
According to the NLO notice, the matches will take place across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The zonal play-offs are scheduled to begin on Sept. 19, and end on Sept. 27.
The NLO directed all participating teams to obtain their licences directly from the NLO secretariat before the commencement of the matches.
The play-offs form part of the league’s structure for providing a pathway for State League teams to progress into the NLO Division Two Under-19 Youth League.