The Nigeria National League, NNL, has rescheduled the opening fixture of the 2026/27 season, moving the match between Heartland and Crown FC from Saturday, October 31, to Sunday, November 1, 2026.
DAILY POST reports that the opening encounter, which was initially scheduled to take place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, will still be played at the same venue, with kick off fixed for 4 pm.
The adjustment means Heartland and Crown FC will now contest the first match of the new campaign a day later than originally planned, while the other Matchday One fixtures will take place one week after the revised season opener.
The NNL Chief Operating Officer, Danlami Alanana, explained that the change was necessary because of important state events scheduled to take place on the original date.
According to Alanana, the league considered the circumstances surrounding the planned opening day and decided to adjust the schedule to allow the host state to be adequately represented at the event.
He noted that having the host state properly represented would help ensure a strong turnout and create an atmosphere befitting the occasion as the league prepares to begin a new season.
The opening fixture is expected to mark the start of the 2026/27 NNL campaign, with Heartland and Crown FC set to take centre stage at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
Alanana apologised to both clubs and their supporters for the inconvenience caused by the rescheduling. He also appealed for their understanding, stressing that the decision was taken in the interest of ensuring a successful start to the new season.
With the revised date now set for November 1, attention will turn to the opening encounter, while the remaining teams prepare for their respective Matchday One fixtures the following week.
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