Nationwide League One: A Decade Of Growth, Professionalization And Opportunities

 

Nationwide League One: 

A Decade Of Growth, Professionalization And Opportunities

The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) held a media briefing at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Wednesday April 26, 2023, to update sponsors, corporate organisations, and football stakeholders on its activities over the past decade. 

The theme of the event was "2013-2022: A Decade of Growth," which celebrated the league's achievements over the past 10 years while highlighting its objectives and future plans.

The NLO is Nigeria's third-tier football league and in 2022 (the last year of the decade in question), had 344 clubs spread across the country's six geopolitical zones and the FCT. The league provides young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential while promoting community, respect, inclusivity, and growth. 

With over 20,000 players, coaches, officials, and over 8,000,000 match-day attendance per season, the NLO represents a significant opportunity for businesses to achieve their objectives.

The NLO's primary objectives are to reposition the league as a key resource base for other local and international leagues, professionalize its operations, and generate interest from corporate organizations. 

To achieve these objectives, the league has adopted a growth strategy anchored on good corporate governance, administration and management reforms, implementation of reforms in its season operations, and activation of strong brand-building initiatives.

According to Olushola Ogunnowo, NLO's Chief Operating Officer, "Our goal is to make NLO the access market for grassroots football in Nigeria and the youth football target market. We aim to produce the highest number of youths participating in the NLO at the grassroots level and continue to strive for and maintain official recognition of the Youth League from FIFA and increased interest from foreign clubs because of our Youth League."

Ms. Nkechi Obi, NLO’s Marketing Consultant over the past decade, emphasized the importance of NLO's success in becoming recognized as the access market for grassroots football in Nigeria. She stated that "NLO Product Consolidation is driven by deliberate brand optimization and value chain development, partnerships, and sustainable community engagement, as well as media activations and content creation." She also stated that full details of NLO’s 2023-2032 Decade of Consolidation will be made public at the Official Unveiling of NLO Partners and Season Activation Plans in May.

From 2023 Season, NLO will have only Two Divisions instead of three with Divisions II and III merged into the Youth League. 

The new NLO will feature 420 Clubs, kicking off on May 3rd with a Season Opening Game to be played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano and feature Kano Pillars Jnr against Kwankwasiya United FC in what promises to be a cracking game.

The NLO has made significant progress in achieving its objectives over the past decade, with the league becoming the highest exporter of talent to foreign leagues. 

However, the league aims to do more, and with its growth strategy, it intends to professionalize its operations and generate more interest from corporate organizations. 

NLO is committed to its primary objectives and its vision to provide young Nigerians with the opportunity to develop their skills and reach their full potential while promoting community, respect, inclusivity, and growth.

NWPL: We Won’t Involve In Any Act That Will Bring The League To Disrepute- Osun Babes

 NWPL: We Won’t Involve In Any Act That Will Bring The League To Disrepute- Osun Babes

The management of Osun Babes has challenged a post by a fake journalist from Imo State, who is surreptitiously peddling and circulating lies about Osun Babes FC trying to bride her way to avoid relegation by all means. 

The management, in a release by the Team Manager, Tope Akinbade through the Club’s Media Officer, Oluwaseun Omolola described the write up as baseless, unfounded and blatant lie from an unrecognized author who gatecrashed into sports journalism to only run his mouth around looking for cheap popularity through unsubstantiated story.

The release said “Osun Babes FC have never and will never get involved in anything that will bring the game into disrepute.”

“The allegation by one fake journalist from Imo has no root and it’s a blatant lie. If you look at Osun Babes performance last season, we didn’t only win at home convincingly but we also recorded away points. Our loss of point at home this season has shown that Osun Babes have not been involving any act of bribery any official or influencing result of the game.

“We at Osun Babes FC don't need to bribe our way or intimidate anybody to win matches and Bayelsa Queens is not an exemption. Bayelsa Queens are beatable and we would defeat them in today's encounter without fear or favour.

“ We challenge the fake journalist who peddled the lies against Osun Babes to substantiate his claims by providing evidence (s). t’s just unfortunate that the field of journalism has been bastardized by some people who knows nothing about the ethics of the profession.

“We therefore call on the NFF and the NWFL to investigate where the news emanated from and get the culprit punished for peddling lies against our great and enviable club.

“We want to use this medium to reiterate that Osun Babes is a reputable club with integrity and will never do anything to bring the game into disrepute,” the statement concluded

TCC 2023: Valiant FC Kid Sensation, Olaniyan Shines As Gbagada FC Bows ln Final

 

TCC 2023: Valiant FC Kid Sensation, Olaniyan Shines As Gbagada FC Bows ln Final

The young kid hit the ground running after he fired one goal and an assist past Gbagada United in the epic final match of the just concluded tournament, The Creative Championship Cup 'TCC 2023'

After going behind 2-0 in the first half against Gbagada FC, fast-rising and highly inspiring youngster Gafar Olaniyan put up an eye-catching display to get his team back into the game by scoring a goal and assisting the equalizer to draw level the match 2-2 at full time before going on to win on penalties.

Gafar has been exceptionally brilliant throughout the TCC 2023 season with his exploitive speed, dribbles, and goals.

He scored against Sporting FC Lagos, Imperial FC, Dannaz FC, and also against Gbagada United in the final while also having two assists to his name throughout the competition. 

Gafar, a left-footed attacking player is making a name for himself in Lagos. The wonderkid has been exceptional this season and caught the attention of many football lovers at the Legacy Pitch, Abati Barracks, and presently, he's the fan's favorite in Imota, Ikorodu.

NLO List 33 Stadium League Venues For the 2023 Season

 

NLO List 33 Stadium League Venues For the 2023 Season

To hit the ground running, the Nationwide League One (NLO) has listed 33 Stadium League venues for the 2023 Division One season which is scheduled to kick off Wednesday, April 26.

The NLO Secretariat via its Media Channel on Thursday informed of the development clubs.

According to the nation's third-tier domestic league, the 33 Stadium League venues were strategically drawn each from the five geo-political zones, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In keeping with commitments made to clubs to ensure a hitch-free season, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunnowo said: "The 2023 NLO campaign will begin on April 26, with interesting fixtures in the 33 Stadium League venues that have been approved.

"The NLO TV app will be very active with much content as matches will be on live streaming from 18 of the Stadium League Venues selected by the NLO.

"Interestingly, NLO matches will also be live on blend TV, OTT which is majorly for sports.

"The 18 selected Stadium League Venues for live streaming, met the conditions set by the NLO Secretariat. 

"Three Stadium League Venues in Lagos,  two in Ogun and one each in Osogbo, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Sokoto, Niger and Katsina State will have matches on live streamed.

"Same as in the FCT, Imo, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo State."

Osun FA Cup: Battle Of United As Osun Utd Claim Trophy

 Osun FA Cup: Battle Of United As Osun Utd Claim Trophy

.... Osun FA Lauds Governor Adeleke's Presence.

Glitz and glamour erupted Osogbo Township Stadium this evening as Osun State Federations Cup final climaxed, with Omoluabi Giants eventually lifted the trophy at the expense of stubborn lgbajo Utd.

Having qualified for National Finals, nevertheless, the actual winner must emerge. It took Osun Utd who exerted their dominance early in the game some minutes before breaking the deadlock through inspiring winger, Adam Rasheed.

Minutes later, Gabriel Godspower increased the tally as he breaks from the flank and drills a long and ferocious stunner that bulged the net in no time, as Seye Ajayi's tutored side claimed the bragging rights at the break.

On resumption, the two sides replaced few personnels as the game dragged till last ten minutes before a consolation goal is registered for Igbajo Utd via Paul Agbor's terrific howler which saw him intercepting a creeping loop inside his own net. The inspired community owned team grew in confidence towards the death but couldn't add to the tally at regulation time.

Fans who thronged the arena were thrilled with fantastic atmosphere as Osun born Super Eagles goalkeeper's trainer, Tunji Baruwa, a newly retired Head of Medical at Sports Council, Alhaji Nojim Omolaja and Flamingo's kid sensation, Ayantoso Yemisi were awarded with a special sporting plaque by the state FA.

The two teams were presented with medals, cash prizes as Governor Ademola Adeleke handed the giant trophy to the champions. Osun FA chairman swiftly described the presence of the governor and his entourage as unprecedented.

Dignitaries at the epic final are Governor Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the state government, Alh. Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of staff to the governor, Alh. Kazeem Akinleye, PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Adekunle Akindele, Alh., Gani Olaoluwa, Elder Sunday Bisi, Hon. Kamorudeen Ajisafe, State and National House of Assembly members-elect, GM, Sports Council, Rotimi Dunmoye, Osun FA Executive Board Members and Local Football Council Chairmen amongst others.

All Eyes On Tunde Sodiq, Ekiti United Red-Hot Striker

 

NPFL Scouts Watching Ekiti United Red-Hot Striker

Prolific goal scorer Sodiq Tunde "Obege" is on the radar of a few Nigerian Premier Football League clubs, after he caught the attention of their scouts in a recent NNL match.

The new kid on the block hit the ground running after he fired three goals past FC Ebedei on MatchDay 3 of the Nigeria National League  (NNL).

With Ekiti United failing to spark on MatchDay One against Madiba FC of Lagos, the pressure was on the team to score its first goal and record its first points of the season, having drawn bye on MatchDay 2.

"Obege" who completed his signing to Ekiti United from Timi Giants didn't disappoint the home fans as he opened his season goal account with a hat-trick.

His representative who does not want his name disclosed hinted that more is yet to come from "Obege".

"It is too early to talk about Obege, as his representative, that task is for him to have more playing time so that he can develop his game optimally.

"He is a potent striker no doubt but still has a lot to learn, as he is young, energetic, and has a bright future ahead of him.

"He has started the campaign with a hat trick, so we hope to see more goals from him as he takes the matches as they come."

The goal-scoring skills of the Ede-born and former defunct Gray's Int'l FC striker caught the attention of Ekiti United, who offered the clinical goal hunter a two-year deal after he bagged  9 goals for the team in the Nationwide League One last season.

NPFL23: Ogunbote Wants More From 3SC Players

 Ogunbote: We Must Take Our Chances Against Kwara Utd.

Head coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Gbenga Ogunbote is confident he has a team solid enough to pick the maximum points in Sunday's game against Kwara United.

He however reckons, that his players need to take their chances in the match day 12 fixture holding at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

"We have what it takes to get the needed result on Sunday. We should get it because we have the team to get it. We are condemned to win it and I know the players are ready. I just pray we take our chances and that we will have a level playing ground", said the 3SC handler.

The Oluyole Warriors, who arrived in Akure, Saturday morning, had their training on the pitch of the Akure Stadium, later in the evening .with the players beaming with confidence ahead of the encounter.

Recent Meeting

NPFL 2021/22 MD 8- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kwara  United

NPFL 2021/22 MD 28 Kwara United 3-1 Shooting Stars

NPFL 2022/23 MD 2 - Shooting Stars 0-0 Kwara United

3SC Media.