The Nationwide League One (NLO) has announced Nasarawa, Yobe and Jigawa states as host venues for the 2026 Division One Promotional Playoffs, as clubs battle for promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
According to the league organisers, the playoffs will take place from Thursday, July 2, to Tuesday, July 7, 2026, with four teams from the Northern Zone set to secure promotion to the NNL.
A total of 16 teams qualified from the league phase and have been divided into four zones for the competition.
North-Central Zone 1 consists of:
Mighty Jets Feeders FC, Bida Lions FC, La-Planet FC, Flight FC
North-Central Zone 2 consists of:
Mailantarki Care FC, Neurospark FC, Police Machine FC, Kogi United
North-East Zone consists of:
FC Yarmalight, DMD FC, Makwanda Warriors FC, Warinje FC
North-West Zone consists of:
Musa Musa FC, Katsina United Jnr, Zamfara United, Jnr Danburam FC
The matches will be played at the August 27 Stadium, Dutse Stadium, and Lafia Township Stadium, with each venue designated to host a specific zone.
The NLO stated that matches across all zones will be played simultaneously to ensure fairness, competitiveness, and efficient scheduling throughout the playoffs.
The league body also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on indiscipline, late arrival of teams, and failure to present valid player licences.
State Football Associations have been urged to enforce strict compliance with competition regulations and uphold the principles of fair play.
The playoffs are expected to provide a highly competitive platform as clubs seek promotion to the second tier of Nigerian football ahead of the 2026/27 season.
