The Enyimba International Stadium in Aba has been chosen as the venue for the 2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) Promotion Playoffs covering the South-East and South-South zones.
Dates, venue and promotion battle
The event is scheduled to run for five days, taking place from July 29 to August 2, as participating clubs compete for available promotion places.
- The tournament will be staged at Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
- Competition dates run from July 29 through August 2.
- Qualified teams are expected to arrive at the venue on July 28 for the mandatory technical meeting.
League instructions to the Abia State FA
In a formal letter signed by the NLO Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo, the league instructed the Abia State Football Association to ensure the playoffs are conducted smoothly and with strong organisation.
The NLO also issued financial and administrative directives ahead of the competition.
- Each participating club is required to pay a registration fee of ₦200,000.
- State Football Associations have been tasked with making sure every team completes its documentation and registration before the playoffs begin.
- Fixtures, venue information and competition guidelines have already been sent to the clubs via their respective State FAs.
Discipline and compliance emphasized
The league further warned that it will apply a strict, zero-tolerance stance toward indiscipline, late arrival, and any failure to provide valid player licences during the promotion playoffs.
State Football Associations were also urged to reinforce with their clubs the need for discipline, fair play and full adherence to all competition requirements.
- Zero tolerance will be applied to indiscipline.
- Late arrival will be treated with zero tolerance.
- Clubs must present valid player licences; failure to do so will attract sanctions.
- State bodies must stress discipline, fair play and strict rule compliance to their teams.
