The 2025/2026 season of the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One (NLO) kicked off in grand fashion at the Osun Center on Thursday, April 24, with six exciting matches across two groups—A and B—serving fans a thrilling football spectacle.
Group A Recap: Comebacks, Missed Chances, and Early Statements
ASE Ridyem FC 2 – 1 Ileogbo United FC
The Osogbo-based ASE Ridyem FC staged a dramatic comeback to defeat debutants Ileogbo United FC 2-1.
Despite trailing at halftime after a brilliant finish by Moshood Ridwan in the 27th minute, ASE Ridyem turned the tide in the second half.
Idris Sefiu equalized in the 65th minute with a superb header off Adeyemi Quadri’s delivery, before Taiwo Afolabi sealed the win in the 74th minute with a composed strike from an Olalekan assist.
Victory Police FC 2 – 0 AAYK FC
Victory Police FC secured all three points in their opener with a solid 2-0 win over AAYK FC.
After a goalless first half and a missed penalty by Malik in the 55th minute, the midfielder redeemed himself just two minutes later with a cool finish. Olaide added a second in the 74th minute to secure the win for the disciplined Police side.
Akoment FC 3 – 1 HMK FC
Akoment FC of Ede delivered an emphatic statement with a 3-1 win over HMK FC.
Bolaji scored the tournament’s fastest goal just two minutes in, setting the tone early. Despite HMK’s 76th-minute equalizer, Akoment struck back through late goals in the 85th and 90th minutes to seal the result.
Group A Matchday One Results:
- ASE Ridyem FC 2 – 1 Ileogbo United FC
- AAYK FC 0 – 2 Victory Police FC
- Akoment FC 3 – 1 HMK FC
Note: Hammola FC had a bye and will begin their campaign against ASE Ridyem FC on Saturday, April 26.
Group B Recap: Tight Margins and Tactical Battles
Ikirun All Stars FC 1 – 0 Ijesha Golden Warriors FC
Ikirun All Stars began their campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Ijesha Golden Warriors.
After a goalless first half, Odunayo struck early in the second half to hand the Ikirun side the win. All Stars maintained control for most of the match but were wasteful with several scoring chances.
Telu FC 1 – 0 Karamba FC
Telu FC edged Karamba FC in a closely contested affair.
The game was evenly matched until the 59th minute when Telu finally broke the deadlock, holding on till the final whistle to secure all three points.
Fehinty FC 1 – 1 Oriade FC
Fehinty and Oriade FC played out a 1-1 draw, with both teams showing promise but unable to find a winner in a tense end-to-end battle.
Ejigbo City FC 1 – 0 Alaska FC
Ejigbo City FC picked up a slim 1-0 win over Alaska FC, marking a solid start to their campaign.
Group B Matchday One Results:
- Ikirun All Stars FC 1 – 0 Ijesha Golden Warriors FC
- Telu FC 1 – 0 Karamba FC
- Fehinty FC 1 – 1 Oriade FC
- Ejigbo City FC 1 – 0 Alaska FC
Looking Ahead
Matchday Two of the Osun Center continues on Saturday, April 26, with more action expected at the Lanre Leke Sports Complex. With all teams now tested in battle, the stage is set for a highly competitive campaign in both groups.
Stay tuned for more updates and detailed coverage from the 2025/2026 NLO season.
