The Nigeria National League (NNL) board yesterday disclosed that it would soon complete the formalities for the unveiling of the title sponsors for the country’s second tier league for the 2015/2016 league season.

Chairman of the board, Emeka Inyama, said in Abuja yesterday that the body was at the last round of discussions with the sponsors, adding that the NNL league would witness some improvements as soon as deal was signed.

Inyama, who did not disclose the identity of the sponsors, said the board has approved July 25 as the commencement date of the second round of the season, adding that it resolved to ensure that all pending disciplinary matters, inspection of stadia as well as all outstanding first round matches were completed before then.

He also disclosed that the board has given Sokoto United FC up till July 18 to resolve their differences that have prevented the club from honouring its matches, warning that the club could face total expulsion from the league with other penalties if it failed to meet the date.

“It is not as if there has not been issues in the league, but we are satisfied with the general conduct of the teams. With the increasing assault on match officials, the board resolved to amend the section of its rules for the second round to attract heavier sanctions for any assault on match officials, particularly Article 6 (1) which will attract a fine of N1 million in addition to banishment of such teams.

“All clubs that are indebted to the league in any manner are to clear such indebtedness before the resumption of the second round or risk being barred from the league. We also praise the diligence of the secretariat towards securing the long desired title sponsorship. In a very short time, the National League will have a major title sponsor,” Inyama disclosed.