Enakhena sympathises with relegated clubs, calls for stronger NALCOMA-driven NNL

Enakhena sympathises with relegated clubs, calls for stronger NALCOMA-driven NNL

President of the Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA), Godwin Enakhena, has sympathised with clubs relegated from the Nigeria National League (NNL), insisting that every club in the division faced one form of challenge or another throughout the season.

Addressing members during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ikenne today, Thursday May 7, 2026, Enakhena noted that the just concluded campaign was demanding for all categories of clubs, including promoted teams, relegated sides and those who succeeded in retaining their league status.

According to him, survival in the NNL remains a difficult task because of the competitiveness and financial pressures associated with the league.

The NALCOMA President also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing Super Four tournament in Ikenne, describing it as a better format compared to the former Super Eight arrangement.

He explained that the Super Four comes with less pressure on participating clubs and officials, adding that the current atmosphere in Ikenne has shown that a more compact championship format could better serve the interests of the league.

Enakhena commended NALCOMA members for standing firmly behind the Super Four competition despite what he described as serious opposition from certain quarters.

He recalled the previous Super Eight competition held in Asaba, describing it as not a good way to earn a ticket to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), while insisting that useful lessons have been learnt with the ongoing event in Ikenne on how to organize future league-ending tournaments.

The veteran sports administrator reminded clubs that the league fundamentally belongs to them and urged all stakeholders to continue working collectively for the growth of the NNL.

He charged members of NALCOMA to remain united, stressing that only a united body can effectively protect the interests of clubs and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigerian football.

Enakhena further advised clubs that secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to prepare adequately for life in the topflight.

According to him, qualification alone should not be the ultimate target, as promoted clubs must also justify their strength and competitiveness throughout the NPFL season.

The NALCOMA President equally called for a review of the association’s constitution to allow the President of the body and one additional member to become part of the NNL Board.

He argued that club owners remain the true owners and major stakeholders of the league, and therefore deserve direct representation in decisions affecting the championship.

Enakhena also charged the Nigeria National League board to keep working hard towards repositioning the league, while commending sponsors and partners including Toptier Sports Management, ProStar, and Betpawa for their continued support towards the growth of the league.

He concluded by appreciating members for their support, understanding and commitment to the association, even as he charged incoming executives of NALCOMA to work tirelessly towards promoting and strengthening the body for the benefit of all clubs.