Sokoto United Retain 26 Players Ahead of New NNL Season

Sokoto United have confirmed the retention of 26 players for the upcoming 2025/26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

According to a statement issued by the club’s general manager, Umar Maraya, the players are expected to resume training on Monday, 25th August, as preparations for the new campaign officially begin.

Maraya stressed the importance of discipline, noting that any player who fails to resume as directed will face penalties.

“We have carefully reviewed the squad and taken the decision to retain players we believe can deliver for the club,” Maraya stated.

“All retained players must resume on or before Monday, 25th August 2025, as training will begin immediately. Any player who fails to resume as directed will face penalties.”

The retained squad is expected to form the backbone of the team’s push for a stronger showing in the NNL this season.

Opinion:
This decision by Sokoto United speaks volumes about continuity and belief in homegrown stability. In a league where clubs often overhaul their squads season after season, retaining 26 players signals trust in the current team’s potential and chemistry.

It’s a bold yet commendable move. Football thrives not just on big-money signings but also on unity, understanding, and consistency. Sokoto United seem to be banking on exactly that. The retained players now carry both privilege and responsibility—they are trusted enough to keep their shirts, but the demand is clear: deliver results or face consequences.

What fans will be eager to see is whether this “continuity project” translates into results on the pitch. With discipline at the heart of Maraya’s message, the club is setting the tone for a season where excuses may no longer be tolerated.

If the players buy into this vision, Sokoto United could quietly turn themselves into one of the surprise packages of the NNL campaign.