NNL reschedules the opening of the 2026/2027 season to November 1

The Nigerian National League (NNL) has rescheduled the opening match of the 2026/2027 season between Heartland FC of Owerri and Crown FC of Ogbomoso by one day.

The match, initially scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, will now take place on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at the same venue, with kick-off set for 4:00 p.m.

NNL Chief Operating Officer Danlami Alanana, who announced the adjustment, explained that the decision became necessary due to important state events scheduled for the original match date.

Alanana said the league body wants the host state to be adequately represented in the opening match to ensure a large turnout and create the right atmosphere for the occasion.

While apologizing to both clubs and their supporters for the change, the NNL boss urged them to understand the circumstances surrounding the decision, and stressed that the adjustment is in the best interest of a successful start to the new season.

The match between Heartland FC and Crown FC will now officially mark the start of the 2026/2027 NNL season on Sunday 1 November.