Nigerian National League confirms Owerri for October 31 opener

Owerri has been selected as the venue for the opening match of the new Nigerian National League season, with the first fixture scheduled for October 31. Heartland of Owerri will face Crown FC of Ogbomosho in the second-tier competition’s official opener.

NNL chairman George Aluo confirmed the fixture after the league’s annual general meeting was held in the Imo State capital. The meeting brought delegates from the participating clubs to Owerri before the league returns to the city for its first match of the season.

Aluo praised the Imo State government for the reception given to the AGM delegates and linked the successful event to Governor Hope Uzodimma’s focus on sports development. He also described the gathering as the strongest AGM since his board began its current tenure.

The chairman said the meeting had reinforced the league’s plans to improve and reposition Nigeria’s lower division. He expressed confidence that the NNL was preparing for another promising campaign after the way the AGM was conducted in Owerri.

The delegates also saw ongoing developments in Imo State during their stay. Their visit will now be followed by the season’s return to the city on October 31, when Heartland and Crown FC begin the new NNL campaign.

The fixture gives Owerri the league’s first competitive date of the season and places Heartland at the centre of the opening programme. Crown FC, based in Ogbomosho, will provide the opposition in the sole official opening match announced by the NNL.