The Nationwide League One 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 each team would play 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.

Olushola Ogunnowo, NLO’s chief operating officer, 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,” Mr Ogunnowo said in an interview.

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.

Mr 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 added that the home-and-away arrangement would allow clubs to enjoy the atmosphere of playing before their supporters while also experiencing the challenges of 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,” Mr Ogunnowo said.

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

The NLO Cup is scheduled to kick off officially on Saturday.

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

(NAN)