Nigeria Nationwide League

National Nationwide League Division One (formerly called Nigerian Amateur League) is the third level of club football in Nigeria. It is divided into four groups by geography with either nine, ten or eleven teams each. Every year, up to eight teams are promoted to the Professional Division One.

Starting in 2012, the league changed its name from the Amateur League and will promote three teams per division instead of two. This was after a long delay in confirming promotions from the prior year due to teams' protests.^[1][2]

Promotion and relegation are not guaranteed. Most of the teams are sponsored by private citizens or Local Govt. Areas and funding at this level is minimal. Any team eligible to move to the National Division 1 must qualify for a Professional League license and commit to the increased spending. After the 2007/08 season. Dankalat FC of Kano won promotion, but instead sold their slot in Division 1A to Calabar Rovers. (Dankalat would eventually sell their slot in the 2012 Professional League to Nembe City FC). For the 2013 season, FC Ebedei and Makwada sold their promotion slots after winning their divisions. Bolowotan, who also won promotion, sold their slot after 9 games in the professional level.

2013

Season starts March 9.

Group A- Ilesa West FC, First Bank F.C. of Lagos, Ila-Orangun FC, Gray's International of EdeAfijio FC of Ilora, Ajiroba Ooni of Ile Ife, Union Bank F.C. of Lagos, FC Ebedei, FC Inter of Enugu, Olutayo FC, Ogbomosho United.

Group B- Akpabio Stars of Uyo, Bekwarra FC, Go Round FC of Port Harcourt, Boulos FC, Atiba FC of Oyo,Mgbo Ambassadors, Canaan FC of Calabar, Atete FC of Warri , Enyimba Feeders.

Group C- NAF Rockets F.C., FRSC (Federal Road Safety Commission) Strikers of Abuja, Yobe Desert Stars of Damaturu, Flash Flamingoes of Gombe, Supreme Court FC Abuja, Kano United, Kuje United, Doma United, Makwada FC, Kaduna Bees(Ranchers Bees Feeder team).

Group D- Meridian Airlines FC of Kano, Sarduana FC of Kano, Lobi Juniors FC of Makurdi, Prisons FC Abuja, Rhapsody FC Abuja, Court of Appeal, Bida Lions, FC Lokoja, Dalhatu United, Boro United of Kaduna.

Changes from 2012

Promoted to Professional Division for 2013 season

• Group A: Fountain FC (bought slot of Ocean Boys).
• Group B: Gabros International F.C.
• Group C: Mighty Jets of Jos
• Group D: Apa United, Dynamic Sporting Solution (DSS) FC of Kaduna

Changes from 2011

Promoted to Professional Division for 2012 season

• Group A: Ila-Orangun FC, Gray International, Ajiroba Ooni of Ile Ife, City of David FC of Lagos.
• Group B: Akwa Starlets, Go Round FC of Port Harcourt, Abia Comets FC of Umuhuia.
• Group C: Kogi United, NAF Rockets F.C.
• Group D: Meridian Airlines FC of Kano, Sarduana Kano FC, Sokoto United.^[3]

Demoted to Nationwide League Second Division

• Ilesa Dynamos F.C.
• Bussdor United F.C.
• KUFCA FC of Azare
• Dalhatu United
• Wunti FC of Bauchi

References

External links

• NFF explains decision on Jimeta FC
• WEEKLY TRUST-Kano clubs’ rivalry delays amateur league fixtures
• THE PUNCH Stakeholders chastise NFF over national amateur league pairings