The Nigeria Nationwide League One on Wednesday in Lagos celebrated a decade of growth, professionalism and opportunities while giving an update to sponsors, corporate organizations, and football stakeholders about its activities over the past decade.
The theme of the event hosted at the Teslim.
Balogun Stadium was tagged “2013-2022: A Decade of Growth,” which celebrated the league’s achievements over the past 10 years while highlighting its objectives and plans.
The NLO is Nigeria’s third-tier football league it’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.
NLO’s Chief Operating Officer Olushola Ogunnowo, who addressed the press at the event said, “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.”
Nkechi Obi, NLO’s Marketing Consultant over the past decade, emphasized 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.
She 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.
From the 2023 Season, NLO will have only Two Divisions instead of three with Divisions II and III merged into the Youth League.
The new NLO will feature 420 Clubs, kicking off on May 3rd with a Season Opening Game to be played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, and feature Kano Pillars Jnr against Kwankwasiya United FC in what promises to be a cracking game.
The NLO has made significant progress in achieving its objectives over the past decade, with the league becoming the highest exporter of talent to foreign leagues.
However, the league aims to do more, and with its growth strategy, it intends to professionalize its operations and generate more interest from corporate organizations.
NLO is committed to its primary objectives and its vision to provide young Nigerians with the opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential while promoting community, respect, inclusivity, and growth.
