Tudun Wada wallops Palm Syrup 7-2 to clinch NLO Cup title, gets 18-passenger Coastal Bus

 

Tudun Wada FC emerged champions of the inaugural NLO Cup, sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau, after defeating Palm Syrup in a 9-goal thriller on Saturday.

The final match at the Bwari Stadium, Abuja was breath taking, full of suspense and exciting goals as Christmas came early for Tudun Wada FC, who made history in Nigeria's top grassroot football, becoming the first NLO side to win two inaugural tournaments - NLO Super Cup and NLO Cup, after putting seven (7) goals past Palm Syrup, who only managed to get two (2) goals.

After a string of brilliant play from both teams, and end-to-end football, Palm Syrup got the first goal in the 14th minute, after Christian Otu profited from a gift from a goalkeeping blunder from Tudun Wada goalkeeper Muwada Muhammad, to slice home the goal.

Three minutes after the opening goal, 

Rabiu Abdulahi missed a sitter to draw level for Tudun Wada. The equalizing goal then came in the 23rd, as Yusuf Mohammed drew level for the Kano-based team.

Palm Syrup retook the lead through Abraham David with a screaming strike, to make it 2-1 against Tudun Wada FC. 

Two minutes interval, Tudun Wada restored parity through Rabiu Abdulahi after a school boy defending on the part of Palm Syrup to make it 2-2.

Tudun Wada in the 38th minute took the lead from Palm Syrup, as Yusuf Mohammed was involved again after Rabiu dribbled past his makers, then set up Yusuf, who wasted no time to score his brace and handed his team a one goal cushion going into half time.

It was a one-sided second 45 minutes as Tudun Wada showed dominance, putting the icing on the cake in the 67th minute, with Rabiu Abdulahi grabbing his brace and his seventh goal in the NLO Cup.  

They still had time to score three more goals in the 77th and added time via the duo of Ashiru Ibrahim and Mubarak Sani who got a brace.

For their brilliance winning the championship unbeaten, Tudun Wada FC went home with a 18 Seater Coastal Bus, runner-up Palm Syrup FC was awarded the sum of One Million naira (#1m) while third-placed Green Lock gets Five Hundred Thousand naira (500,000) courtesy of sponsors MTN.

Palm Syrup aiming to beat Tudun Wada to NLO Cup title

The wait is over, as it has finally come down to the epic day of the NLO Cup, sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau, as an impressive Palm Syrup will aim to spoil Tudun Wada's party at the Bwari Stadium, Abuja.

Before Saturday's grand finale, the nation's third-tier league will be having its Congress, where the roadmap to the new season will be discussed by the NLO Board and clubs.

Sixteen (16) best grassroot teams were selected to showcase the beautiful brand of NLO football, as they dared to dream of lifting the trophy at the end of the tourney, when the group stage began from November 24th to December 9 at two centres, the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano and Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo.

Only Tudun Wada FC, who were winners of the inaugural NLO Super Cup at the Uboma Secondary School Stadium Complex, Imo State and Palm Syrup are left standing ahead of this weekend’s final. 

The path to the final for both clubs: 

This game brings together a clash of styles, though it is going to be a familiar territory for Tudun Wada FC, as they go into the final as the overwhelming favourite.

They are yet to lose a single game, and were very clinical in front of goal, scoring nine (9) and defensively conceding three (3).

Tudun Wada had a slow start to their campaign in lone goal wins against 

Barau/Murtala and Like Minds FC, but fired the burner beating FC  Zeal Minds FC 4-2 to set-up a semi-final clash against Green Lock, whom they dispatched 3-1.

For Palm Syrup, they shouldn’t be taken lightly, as they are though and with a good mental strength. No easy for a team that lost it's final group game to RORO FC to go past Kun Kalifah FC 6-5 in a nail biting penalty shootout in the semi-final.

They were not a too scoring side but they pulled surprises having the job done at the Uyo Centre. Palm Syrup edged both Krane FC and Jaguar FC 2-0 lost to RORO FC a lone goal, to go top of Group 2 (B) and set-up a titanic clash with free flowing and scoring Kun Khalifa.

After a tough 90minutes, both teams needed the lottery of penalties to book a ticket to Abuja. Palm Syrup turned the disadvantage to an advantage after missing their third spot kick, only for Kun Khalifa to miss their third and fourth kick, to win the thrilling 16 penalty kicks on 6-5, to zoom into the final.

Meanwhile, Tudun Wada FC are one game away from making history in Nigeria's top grassroot football. Should they win on Saturday, the Kano-based  team will become the first NLO side to win two inaugural tournaments - NLO Super Cup and NLO Cup.

For anxious fans of the Nationwide League One football brand, they can get to catch a glimpse of the third-place game, Kun Kalifah FC versus Green Lock and the final on the NLO TV App or on the NLO YouTube Channel, as both matches will be live streamed.

Group Stage

Krane FC 0-2 Palm Syrup

Palm Syrup FC 2-0 Jaguar FC

RORO FC 0-1 Palm Syrup

SEMI-FINAL

Palm Syrup 0-0 Kun Khalifa FC (6-5 on penalties)

Group Stage

Barau/Murtala 0-1 Tudun Wada

Tudun Wada FC 1-0 Like Minds FC

Tudun Wada FC 4-2 Zeal Minds FC

SEMI-FINAL

Tudun Wada 3-1 Green Lock

FINAL

Palm Syrup vs Tudun Wada

Tudun Wada books NLO Cup final duel with Palm Syrup

 

Tudun Wada FC will lock horns against Palm Syrup FC in the final of the NLO Cup sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau, after defeating Green Lock FC 3-1 in the second semi-final on Wednesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

After a goalless 45 minutes, the deadlock was broken by Peter Michael after he gave Tudun Wada the lead from a well taken penalty in the 57th minute.

Tudun Wada then got a two-goal cushion on the one hour mark after Yusuf Mohammed fired home from a second penalty kick. 

Green Lock FC then started what could have been a comeback for them in the 62nd minute, after Philip Onyedika found Damilola Adeyeye in the box, who after some careless defending from Tudun Wada, scored to make it 2-1.

As the game got to the last five minutes, it was a little too late for Green Lock FC in the 88th minute, as Mubarak Sani put the icing on the cake with the third goal, to send Tudun Wada to the finale in Abuja.

It will be another final for Tudun Wada FC, who were winners of the inaugural NLO Super Cup at the Uboma Secondary School Stadium Complex, Imo State.

The Bwari Stadium, Abuja will host the final and third-place match after the NLO Secretariat directed that there would be a third place game. 

With this Kun Khalifa FC will battle Green Lock FC for the bronze medal in the 3rd-place game before the epic final on Saturday December 9, 2023.

Comedian Akpororo hails quality of NLO Cup

 

Nigeria's top rated Stand-up Comedian, Bowoto Jephthah Tanimola, popularly known as Akpororo on stage, has hailed the quality of the NLO Cup and top notch organization of the tournament by the Nationwide League One.

It was a hitch-free tourney as eight grassroot teams displayed the best of NLO brand of football to the delight of fans who trooped to the Uyo Township Stadium to catch a daily glimpse of the football moments in the NLO Cup, sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau.

At the end, a total of 35 goals were scored during the group phase in Uyo, with Palm Syrup qualifying to the final.

Akpororo, who owns and captains his team, Roro FC in the Nigerian 3rd division, couldn't spur his club beyond the Group phase of the NLO Cup, as they were knocked out of the competition at the Uyo Centre.

He led his team to a win, draws and loss. But despite the victory over Palm Syrup FC in their final group game, Roro FC failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition at the Uyo Centre.

Akpororo told NLO Media Channel after the victory over Palm Syrup, who are in the final after going past Kun Kalifah FC 6-5 in a nail biting penalty shootout.

"The NLO Cup has been cool tourney and another learning curve for RORO FC but I know with time, we will get to the level we have set for ourselves.

"Most importantly, I give credit to the NLO Secretariat for the initiative behind the NLO Cup, as we had some of the best teams in division in Kano and Uyo.

"I want to commend the NLO for the energy they have put in so far managing the nation's third-tier league, and making it a good brand that has attracted top sponsors. Surely, if the NLO continues with this kind of energy level, they will surpass their targets.

"For me (Akpororo), I love the beautiful game football, and since I didn't have the chance to play, I chose to have a team -RORO FC and I play for my team.

"I played all our matches in the grassroot to get this far, NLO and my ultimate dream for my club is to feature in the Nigerian Premier Football League."

Palm Syrup secures spot in NLO Cup final, as Green Lock, Tudun Wada set to clash in second semifinal

 

Palm Syrup FC are through to the final of the NLO Cup sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau via the lottery of penalties.

It was an interesting 90 minutes of quality football that kept fans at the Uyo Township Stadium on the edge of their seats, as it ended goalless.

The penalty shootout was a nail biting one, as both teams played a total of 16 spot kicks, eight each. Palm Syrup who were first to miss a penalty; the third to be precise, also missed their fourth kick, leaving Kun Khalifa FC to an advantage.

But Kun Khalifa FC would at the day rue their miss, as it ended up hunting them, as Palm Syrup went ahead to win the shootout 6-5.

Meanwhile, the final group matches in Kano, were concluded at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Tuesday, with Tudun Wada and Green Lock FC leaving the group unbeaten. 

Tudun Wada FC pummeled Zeal Minds FC 4-2 with Rabiu Abdullahi scoring all the four goals for his side, while Green Lock FC piped FC Sheika 3-2 to setup a mouth watering tie between themselves.

However, Palm Syrup FC who have booked a place in the final scheduled for Saturday December 9, at the Bwari Stadium- Abuja, will await the winner between Green Lock and Tudun Wada.

Palm Syrup secures NLO Cup Semifinal ticket as journey ends for FC Chimoski

 

Palm Syrup FC became the first team to qualify for the semifinals of NLO Cup sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau, after recording a second win, after a 2-0 bashing of Jaguar FC in a second Group 2 fixture at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday.

It was an explosive game between both teams with two penalty saves at both ends, having recorded wins on Matchday 1 of the championship.

Palm Syrup took the game to Jaguar FC scoring first after Solomon Akpan made the most of an exciting pass from Abraham David for 1-0 in the 25th minute.

Abraham David who assisted the first goal then got his goal for a job well done in the 37th minute, after twisting and turning away from his marker at the edge of the box before curling in a superb strike for 2-0.

It was an interesting second half that saw two penalty saves from both goalkeepers. 

Palm Syrup won a spot kick in the 72nd minute after a foul on Solomon Akpan. Ukoette Anaibong then took the spot kick but was denied by Jaguar FC shot-stopper Uko Essen, to keep the scoreline at 2-0.

With 10 minutes to end the game, Jaguar FC could have started a comeback when they were awarded a penalty, but a magnificent sharp reflex reaction from Palm Syrup goalkeeper Nsisiong Ekpo, saw him deny Anyaegbunam Pacian from the spot kick.

Meanwhile, it was not too. good for FC Chimoski as they have been eliminated from the competition after suffering a second defeat, losing by a lone goal to Olegacy FC. Recall they fell 4-1 to Kun Khalifa FC on Matchday One.

In the other results from Uyo, it was spoils sharing as the game between Krane FC versus RORO FC and Vandrezzer JNR versus Kun Khalifa FC ended respectively at one all-draw.

However, matches continue at the Uyo Township Stadium on Monday morning with MatchDay 3 fixtures, while the Kano Centre resumes with MatchDay 2 existing fixtures at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata Kano.

Uyo Centre Matchday 3 Fixtures: 

FC Chimoski vs Vandrezzer JNR - 10am

Jaguar FC vs Krane FC - 12pm

Palm Syrup FC vs RORO FC - 2pm

Kun Khalifa FC vs Olegacy - 4pm

Kano Centre Matchday 2 Fixtures:

Tudun Wada FC vs Like Minds - 10am

Kwankwasiyya FC vs Green Lock FC - 12pm

Zeal Minds FC vs Barau/Murtala FC - 2pm

NA Royals vs FC Sheika - 4pm

30 goals, two hat tricks logged from seven wins in NLO Cup opening day

It was a carnival of goals, with seven victories, a combined 30 goals scored, and Ifeanyi Uzorchukwu going home with a match ball following his hat-trick, as the inaugural NLO Cup- sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau kicked off on Friday in Kano and Uyo.

Eight Matchday One fixtures, four each in Group 1 and Group 2 were concluded at the Sani Abacha Stadium and Uyo Township Stadium respectively, to the delight of anxious fans who came to catch a glimpse of the Nationwide League One brand of football. 

It was an interesting curtain raiser in Kano, as Like Minds FC ace Ifeanyi Uzorchukwu was a torn in the flesh for Zeal Minds FC defense, after he fired three goals past them, to became the first player to score a hat-trick and helped his team to a 4-3 win.

Another 7-goal thriller was in Uyo after Jaguar FC needed a late penalty to edge RORO FC 4-3. The game produced six different goal scorers, with Awhana Silas scoring a brace for losing Roro FC.

Ikechukwu Chukwudi opened the scoring for Jaguar FC with a fine finish in the 25th minute to the delight of his team at the Uyo Township Stadium.

Two quick goals were recorded in the space of four minutes after Hassan Joshua doubled the lead for Jaguar FC in the 27th minute while Abraham Samson pulled one back for RORO FC from a scramble two minutes later. 

In the 33rd minute, Anyaegbunam Pacian increased the tally with a stunning strike, as Jaguar FC took a 3-1 lead into half-time.

On the one-hour mark, Awhana Silas scored a sensational strike to keep RORO FC's hope alive to make it 3-2. He then completed what looked like a comeback for his team with his second to draw RORO FC level at 3-3 in the 69th minute. RORO FC will rue hard-luck after Jaguar FC was awarded a spot kick and Godwin Onoja stepped forward to send goalkeeper Tubobo Saheed the wrong way to make it 4-3 for Jaguar FC.

In the second fixture of Matchday One, 

Alex Sunday also made history as he scored a hat-trick in the NLO Cup after his team Kun Khalifa FC put four goals past FC Chimoski, who managed just one goal in the game.

It took Alex Sunday 12 minutes to find the back of the net after he put Kun Khalifa ahead with a superb stunning strike from the edge of the box. He then scored his second and third in the 37th and 50th minute.

From the other results, Abuja-based Green Lock FC pipped NA Royal FC 2-1, while Kwankwasiyya FC was also 2-1 better than FC Sheika.

Palm Syrup FC were the first team to keep a clean sheet after they edged Krane FC 2-0.

Tudun Wada FC also kept it decent with their defending after they pipped Barau/Murtala by a lone goal while Olegacy FC and Vandrezzer JNR shared the spoils as the game ended 1-1.

RESULTS 

KANO CENTRE

Like Minds FC 4-3 Zeal Minds FC

Green Lock FC 2-1 NA Royal FC

FC Sheika 1-2 Kwankwasiyya FC 

Barau/Murtala 0-1 Tudun Wada FC 

UYO CENTRE

RORO FC 3-4 Jaguar FC

Krane FC 0-2 Palm Syrup FC 

Kun Khalifa FC 4-1 FC Chimoski  

Olegacy FC 1-1 Vandrezzer JNR

Kano, Uyo come alive as NLO Cup get underway

 

Sixteen grassroot teams will ignite the cities of Kano and Uyo as the eagerly anticipated inaugural NLO Cup kicks in on Friday.

The NLO Cup sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau is poised to celebrate the best of Nigeria's third-tier football- and it doesn’t come much bigger as the Sani Abacha Stadium and Uyo Township Stadium will play host to the fiesta to the delight of teeming fans.

The opening match on Friday between Likeminds FC versus Zeal Minds FC  and Roro FC versus Jaguar FC kicks off respectively at the Sani Abacha Stadium and Uyo Township Stadium at 10 am. 

Chief Operating Officer of the nation’s third-tier league and an astute grassroot football administrator per excellence, Olushola Ogunnowo spoke ahead of the kickoff.

"On behalf of the NLO, I want to express our thanks to our headline sponsors MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau for having faith in the NLO brand and its vision by footing the bills of the NLO Cup. 

“Preparations are in top gear, as we’re set for the NLO Cup to kick off amid funfair. The 16 clubs have arrived at their different venues.

“All logistics are in place as, A-grade facilities, the (Sani Abacha Stadium and Uyo Township Stadium) have been selected, as the NLO Cup will showcase the best of Nigeria's grassroot football to the world.

“The NLO Cup will ignite the passion and the abundant skills of our players. The 16 teams have been grouped into 1 and 2, with each having A and B of four teams each.

"After the group phases in Kano and Uyo, the overall winner in Group 1A will take on that of Group 1B in the semi-finals, the same applies with that of Uyo.

"The overall winner from Group 1 (Kano) will tackle the winner from Group 2 (Uyo) in the final on 9th December at the Bwari Stadium in Abuja."

The NLO Cup will run from Friday 24th November to 9th December 2023.

NLO announces MTN as headline sponsor of inaugural cup tournament

The Nationwide League One (NLO) is proud to announce top telecommunications brand in Nigeria, MTN as the headline sponsor of the NLO Cup.

Sixteen best teams will ignite the maiden edition of the NLO Cup which kicks off on November 24 to December 9 at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano and Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo.

Chairman of the nation's third-tier league His Excellency. Silas Agara announced the groundbreaking development to NLO Media Channel on Monday.

"On behalf of the leadership of the NLO, we are delighted to announce MTN as the headline sponsor of the NLO Cup. 

"The NLO Cup tourney was conceived as a medium to celebrate teams that have excelled in the graduation from the State League to NLO U19 and from the Youth League to the NLO Division One.

"The credibility of the NLO over time has made MTN pitch their tent to the nation's third-tier domestic league for this project. The project is a success of this partnership in a discussion of over two years, with NLO and MTN to have come to this stage.

"MTN as a responsible corporate organization wants to support Nigerian youths through grassroot football development, as they have identified football as the major source of joy for over 60 percent of the youths.

"The telecommunications brand has identified the Nationwide League One  (NLO) as the most critical source and reliable partner to achieve that aim; at the same time.

"MTN will be using the NLO to push their MoMo Money to the minds of all Nigerian youths as a safe platform, to save, do business with their money, and a whole lot of things.

"They will also be dishing out a whole lot of freebies and gift items,  to youths that hit the stadium to watch the NLO Cup matches. The telecommunications brand wants to rejuvenate the way Nigerian youths participate in football.

#MTNNLOCup23

Kano, Uyo to host 16 teams in NLO Cup

 

The ancient city of Kano and the natural beauty of Uyo will host 16 best teams in the grassroots league in the maiden Nationwide League One- NLO Cup billed to kick off on Friday, November 24 through Saturday, December 9, 2023.

Speaking with NLO Media Channel, Chief Operating Officer Olushola Ogunnowo rolled out plans for the first edition of the NLO Cup.

"The Nationwide League One, as the third cadre league in Nigeria has decided to showcase some of the best teams in the grassroots league in a tournament tagged "NLO CUP" that will cap the activities of NLO. 

"This is the maiden edition and the teams involved were carefully selected across the federation, with the best interest of our new sponsors, who will be unveiled soon.

"The NLO Cup is a prestigious tournament that brings together top clubs from the Nationwide League One in an exciting display of talent and sportsmanship. 

"It offers fantastic opportunities for clubs to gain exposure, compete at the highest level, and create lasting memories. 

"NLO Cup tourney will be centered around 16 teams, as Kano and Uyo will host eight (8) teams each of two groups, made up of four (4) teams, and is scheduled to kick off on the 24th of November to 9th of December 2023 and promises to be an unforgettable event for teams and spectators alike.

"The Sani Abacha Stadium and  Godswill Akpabio Stadium will host the group matches, while the Bwari Stadium in Abuja is billed to host the grand finale.

"Furthermore, the NLO has made arrangements for comfortable accommodation and transportation subsidies for all participating teams during the duration of the tournament."

NLO CUP GROUPINGS

Group 1 A

Tudun Wada FC - Kano State

Likeminds FC - FCT

Barau/Muritala FC - Kano State

Zeal Mind FC - Benue State

Group 1 B

Kwankwasiyya FC - Kano State

Green Lock FC - FCT

FC Sheika - Kano State

Na Royal - Kwara State

Group 2 A

Palm Syrup FC - Akwa Ibom

Krane FC - Akwa Ibom

Roro FC - Lagos State

Jaguar FC - Abia State

Group 2 B

Olegacy FC - Akwa Ibom

Kun Khalifa - Imo State

Mavlon FC - Lagos State

Vandrezzer JNR FC - Akwa Ibom