By Ahmad Hamisu Gwale
The historical moments come as town of Dambatta in northern Kano State, will host 20 teams in the 2025/2026 season of the Nationwide League One (NLO).
The Independent mirror reports that the Dambatta Stadium, the home ground of Kano-based NNL side Barau FC, is among more than 20 designated centers across Nigeria selected to host this season’s NLO matches.
The 2025 Nationwide League One NLO season is scheduled to kick off on April 11, 2025, across multiple venues nationwide.
The NLO board has divided participating teams into various centers based on their assigned centers, as centers from Dambatta have been approved.
The Barau Center 1 (Stadium) will feature the following teams: Junior Pillars, Kwankwasiyya FC, Clever Warriors FC, Super Star Sheka, Royal FC, Sky Limit FC, Goodhope FC, Kano Stars FC, Dromeda FC, and Shield City FC.
While the Barau Center 2 (Dambatta Stadium) will feture : Giadano FC, Tawiyya FC, SBS FC, Ganduje Babes, Hausawa United, ATK FC, Zango FC, Highlanders FC, Orlu United FC, Kano Ambassador FC.
Speaking to the NLO Media Channel, Chief Operating Officer Olushola Ogunnowo revealed that this is the maiden edition of the newly structured league format.
He noted that the participating teams were carefully selected from across the country, with the interests of the league’s new sponsors who will be unveiled soon.
The winner of each group will advance to a new stage featuring 8 centers, each comprising four teams.
While in round-robin format will determine the winner in each group, and the top team from each group will earn promotion to the Nigerian National League (NNL).
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin—also the owner of Barau FC rebuilding and completion of the Dambatta Stadium, as his goal is to foster youth engagement through sports.
