32 clubs to contest Borno division one football league
By Ahmed Kaigama
Thirty-two clubs will contest the 2026/2027 Borno State Division One Football League, the Borno State Football Association (BFA) has announced.
The BFA Chairman, Mr Babagana Kalli, disclosed this during the league’s annual retreat and draws held at the FA Conference Hall of the El-Kanemi Warriors Sports Centre Complex, Maiduguri.
Kalli said the participating clubs had been divided into four conferences of eight teams each, with the competition to be played on a single round-robin basis.
He explained that each club would play seven matches within its conference, with three points awarded for a win, one point for a draw and no point for a defeat.
According to him, consistency, endurance and adaptability would be important for clubs seeking to progress in the competition.
Kalli said the league was designed not only to promote competitive football but also to provide opportunities for young and talented players to be discovered and nurtured at the grassroots.
He urged the participating clubs to approach the competition with discipline, professionalism, respect and commitment to fair play.
The chairman said the top-performing clubs in each conference would advance to the title playoff, where the eventual champion of the Borno Division One League would emerge.
He added that the champion and second-placed club in the title playoff would qualify for the Nigerian National League (NNL) playoff.
Kalli also explained that eight clubs would be relegated to Division Two through the stipulated promotion and relegation process.
He said the BFA had introduced financial incentives as part of its reforms to improve the welfare of participating clubs and strengthen football development in the state.
According to him, the incentives include cash prizes for top-performing clubs and match-day financial rewards based on results.
Kalli said the reforms were aimed at improving clubs’ revenue streams and creating a more sustainable football structure.
The BFA Secretary, Mr Suleiman Ahmed Salah, said the Division One League was about competition, talent discovery, stronger clubs and building a sustainable future for football in Borno.
Salah appreciated the clubs for their cooperation during the draws and commended stakeholders and development partners for supporting football development in the state.
Participants at the event welcomed the reforms and pledged to uphold professionalism, discipline and fair play throughout the season.
