Nigeria, June 9 -- In what appears to be a last-minute breathing space for clubs still scrambling to meet requirements, the association had earlier opened registration on April 8 and initially fixed May 30 as the closing date before extending it to June 19.

According to a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the FCT FA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika, the extension was granted to allow clubs enough room to tie up loose ends, especially their financial commitments.

"This is to give clubs adequate time to complete their payments," he said.

He further disclosed that registration fees remain pegged at 150,000 for Division One clubs and 120,000 for Division Two sides, urging teams to toe the line and comply strictly with payment guidelines. ...