Why NLO Adopts Local Stadiums For U-19 Youth League - Ogunnowo

Why NLO Adopts Local Stadiums For U-19 Youth League - Ogunnowo 

As the Nationwide League One (NLO) prepares to announce the fixtures for the 2025 NLO U19 Youth League, Mr. Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Africa's largest grassroots league, explained the reasons behind the adoption of new match venues.

"Grassroots teams are at the heart of football. Without them, many people's passion for the sport wouldn’t exist," Ogunnowo told the NLO media channel.

"These clubs also play a vital role in contributing to the local community and fostering connections among people from different backgrounds. By interacting with individuals from various walks of life, members become more open-minded and develop a greater appreciation for others.

Ogunnowo further emphasized, "Since the rebranding of the NLO a decade ago, we have worked to connect cities and local communities, fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, players, and fans alike."

Among the rapidly developing localities that will host matches for the 2025 NLO U19 Youth League are Ileogbo in Osun State, Apele in Sagamu, Ogun State, Kazaure in Jigawa State, Numan in Adamawa State, and Kontagora in Niger State among others.

Traditionally, NLO matches have been held in city-centre stadiums. However, to promote community-level football development and encourage inclusivity, the Secretariat has invited Local Government Areas (LGAs) and communities with standard football stadiums to host NLO matches.

"We encourage all State Football Associations to identify and suggest suitable stadiums within their areas that meet NLO standards. The NLO Secretariat will work with your association to conduct timely and efficient inspections of these venues. A detailed report will be compiled after each inspection to ensure transparency and compliance with league standards.

"We believe this initiative will significantly strengthen grassroots football development and allow communities to actively engage with and benefit from the growth of the sport."