Ekiti United to Face Nine Rivals in NNL 2025/26 Conference B

Ekiti United target a return to Nigeria’s top flight as they prepare for fierce Conference B clashes in the 2025/26 NNL season.

Ekiti United have mapped out their route back to the top after learning their 2025/26 Nigeria National League (NNL) opponents during the league’s annual general meeting held on Tuesday in Kaduna.

The Ado-Ekiti-based club, who earned their way back into the NNL following a stint in the Nationwide League One last season, will compete in Conference B. They face a tough schedule against nine teams: Akwa United, Solution FC, Abakaliki FC, Rovers FC, Stormers FC, Dakkada FC, First Bank, Sporting Lagos, and Osun United.

Opening Test at Home: The campaign begins on November 15, when Ekiti United host Stormers FC in a fiery Southwest derby at the refurbished Oluyemi Kayode Stadium. With the installation of a modern AstroTurf and improved facilities, the club is finally free from the inconvenience of staging “home” games away from their supporters — a major setback that hampered their previous NNL season.

Government Backing and Player Recruitment: The team enjoys strong backing from Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, while Dr. Olusola Osetoba, Technical Adviser on Sports Development, has spearheaded reforms to improve player welfare and squad depth. Open screening sessions were held to select only committed and match-ready players, signaling the club’s resolve to compete at a higher level.

New NNL Promotion Format: This season ushers in a critical shift in the NNL structure. Instead of playoffs, the winners of each of the four conferences will gain automatic promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). A Super Four tournament involving only the conference champions will then determine the overall NNL champion from the 36-team abridged league.

Mission Statement: Club Media Officer, Blessing Akinyemi, captured the team’s focus:

“Ekiti United’s mission is clear — restore pride, excite our base, and push beyond the shadows of near-misses. The team is fully prepared for the battles ahead.”

With renewed spirit, home-ground advantage, and government support, Ekiti United now look set to mount a strong challenge in Conference B as they chase a long-awaited return to Nigeria’s top flight.

Stay Updated with the Latest News – Follow Daily Observer on X (formerly Twitter) @DailyObserverNG