By STEPHEN BENJAMIN

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has introduced a home-and-away league format for its revamped NLO Cup to provide participating clubs with more competitive match opportunities.

The NLO Secretariat said the number of matches to be played by each team would depend on the number of clubs in its zone.

It explained that a team in a 10-team group, for instance, could play about 18 matches, with the possibility of more fixtures where additional teams are involved.

The Secretariat also said multiple clubs could host their home matches at the same venues, either on weekdays or weekends, thereby reducing unnecessary travel.

Dr Olushola Ogunnowo, NLO Chief Operating Officer (COO), said the format would provide clubs with more opportunities to compete rather than being eliminated after a single knockout fixture.

“A key benefit of the new NLO Cup format is the guaranteed increase in match opportunities.

“Instead of a single knockout fixture, the league format provides a broader schedule of competitive games,” Ogunnowo said in an interview with the NLO media channel.

He said the expanded fixture schedule would enable clubs to host more matches before their supporters, gain more away-match experience and expose players to increased competition.

According to him, the format would also help clubs develop young talents, increase fan and community engagement and strengthen their sporting and commercial prospects.

Ogunnowo added that the revitalised competition would create a more structured and competitive environment for NLO clubs.

“The revitalised NLO Cup advances a more structured and competitive environment for NLO clubs.

“With more fixtures, players can showcase their skills, coaches can improve teams, and clubs can enhance their competitive identity,” he said.

The NLO COO further said the home-and-away arrangement would give clubs the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of playing before their supporters while also experiencing the challenges associated with away fixtures.

“The home-and-away format will motivate clubs to enjoy the excitement of playing in front of supporters and to tackle the challenges of away games,” Ogunnowo said.

He said the new competition format was designed to provide clubs with more games, exposure and opportunities for development.

The NLO Cup is scheduled to officially kick off on Oct. 10.

Eligible clubs from NLO Division One and the NLO Youth League Under-19 are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of N1 million.

The fee, according to the Secretariat, covers tournament logistics and is to be paid into the FCMB Bank Nationwide League One account number 3267800014.

Clubs are also required to forward proof of payment to the NLO Secretariat for verification. (NAN)

Update news