By Francis Ajuonuma
Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NLO), Olushola Ogunnowo says it is their dream to make the league the access market for grassroots football in Nigeria.
Ogunnowo, who made the declaration yesterday in Lagos, while briefing the media on the NLO plans for the new season, said 420 clubs will feature in the new season which kicks off on May 3 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, with Kwankwasiya United FC taking on Kano Pillars Junior in what promises to be a cracking game.
“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.”
Also speaking at the event, NLO’s Marketing Consultant over the past decade, Ms. Nkechi Obi, emphasised the importance of NLO’s success in becoming recognized as the access market for grassroots football in Nigeria.
“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 said.
Ms Nkechi Obi 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.
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.
From 2023 Season, NLO will have only Two Divisions instead of three with Divisions II and III merged into the Youth League.
