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Tag: NLO

  • NLO unveils New Year Mega Lottery as title sponsor 

    NLO unveils New Year Mega Lottery as title sponsor 

    The Nationwide League One (NLO) has announced New Year Mega Lottery (NYML), one of Nigeria’s leading lottery companies, as the NLO official title sponsor.

    The announcement was made yesterday  at a special signing and unveiling ceremony held at the Harris Hotel, Wuye in Abuja.

    The sponsorship deal between New Year Mega Lottery and the NLO is a four-year agreement worth 964 million naira. The collaboration between the Nationwide League One and New Year Mega Lottery is intended to effectively promote and elevate the status of grassroots football in the country, aiming to establish it as a prominent Nigerian spectacle and one of the most flourishing and appealing leagues on the continent.

    Representing New Year Mega Lottery, Ms. Obiorah Emmanuella, Head of Corporate Communications, said: “We are thrilled to enter this sponsorship deal with the Nationwide League One (NLO) and engage a large audience through our brand.

    “Through this collaboration, we are also excited to connect with the future generation of football athletes at the grassroots level across Nigeria and help them grow. The company’s strong commitment to nurturing and empowering talents, fostering opportunities, and gratifying fans within its market are among the primary motivations for aligning with the NLO.”

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    During the ceremony, the NLO chairman, Honourable Silas Agara, commended New Year Mega Lottery for coming on board as the title sponsor.

    “On behalf of the board members and stakeholders of the NLO, I wish to officially welcome you to join us. We are truly delighted to have New Year Mega Lottery come on board as our title sponsor,” Agara, the former deputy governor of Nasarawa State, said.

    He added: “We look forward to working with New Year Mega Lottery in growing and transforming our grassroots talents into global superstars worldwide. This sponsorship recognizes NLO not just as a football body but also acknowledges our position as the league with the single-biggest football talent base in Africa.”

    By sponsoring the NLO until 2027, New Year Mega Lottery is building on its rich history as a frontline provider of jobs and empowerment through sports and education in Nigeria.

  • NLO seals three technical partnerships

    NLO seals three technical partnerships

    The Nationwide League One (NLO) has announced its technical partners in Abuja, to drive referral revenue, generate quality leads, and accelerate growth in Nigeria’s third-tier domestic football division.

    The Chairman of NLO, His Excellency Silas Agara, named three technical partners: Sofascore, SportsMeetTech, and Naemosports.

    Sofascore, a Croatian sports-tracking platform with over 25 million active monthly users worldwide, has partnered with NLO to assist in bringing on board all other leagues in Nigeria. This partnership is not based on any monetary value but on shared benefits in developing the league.

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    SportsMeetTech, an IT firm, will develop a website and social media channels for all NLO clubs. They will also train club officials on how to manage the sites and commercialize them to generate funds to support their clubs. The revenue will be shared between NLO, clubs, and SMT.

    Naemosports, a data company, will facilitate talent discovery with the use of technology. They will access NLO’s data, and the benefits will be on revenue sharing when the data are sold. NLO has a device to monitor what they do with the data.

  • NLO to seal multi-million Naira sponsorship deal

    NLO to seal multi-million Naira sponsorship deal

    The Nationwide League One (NLO) is set to seal it biggest sponsorship deal worth multi-million naira and also announce partnership with two foreign service providers.

    The sponsorship deal which will run for four (4) years, is record-breaking and a breakthrough for grassroot football development in Nigeria.

    NLO Chairman and  former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State , Silas Agara, shared more light on the deal.

    “We are happy with the several brands that has shown interest in the NLO in the last few months, as we want the NLO to grow to become a global phenomenon as the most successful grassroot football league across Africa, as challenged by NFF President, Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau

    “One of our partners, is a lottery company licensed by the Nigeria Lottery Commission; they will be NLO Title Sponsors. We have agreed on a four year sponsorship deal. And we shall unveil them on Thursday March 14, 2024.

    Twenty-four hours later, precisely Friday March 15, the NLO will unveil four of its prospective partners.

    “One of them is a service provider- a Croatian based sports tracking platform with over 25 million active monthly users worldwide. This is very good for our clubs. They have also mandated the NLO to assist them in bringing on board other leagues in Nigeria.

    “No monetary value involved, but on share benefits on developing our league, and we have agreed to work with them.

    “However, there is another IT firm that has accepted to develop websites for all the NLO clubs, they will as well open social media channels for all the clubs as well.

    “They will train club officials on how to manage the sites and then commercialize the website and the social media handles to enable the clubs generate funds to support their clubs.

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    “The NLO sees this as a good avenue for club development and another source of revenue stream for the clubs in NLO,” he added.

    Agara hinted further :”Two other technical partners will join the NLO, as they will help to facilitate talent discovery with the use of technology.

    “The nation’s third-tier domestic football league sees them as Development Partner and we have agreed to allow them access to our data. The benefit to NLO is on revenue sharing when the data are being sold, we have a device to monitor what they do with our data.”

    In a separate development, to expand its reach to a larger audience and passionate followers of the league, the NLO has lunched it’s two (2) channels on Blend TV.

  • Palm Syrup thro’ to NLO Cup final

    Palm Syrup thro’ to NLO Cup final

    •  Green Lock, Tudun Wada battle in second semis

    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.

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    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 yesterday 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.

  • NLO CUP: Palm Syrup battles Kun Khalifa In first semi-finals

    NLO CUP: Palm Syrup battles Kun Khalifa In first semi-finals

    It’s a clash of the titans today  as the first semi-finals of the NLO CUP  holds  between Palm Syrup and Kun Khalifa FC at the Uyo Stadium at 3pm.

    The maiden NLO Cup which is geared to celebrate the best of the Nationwide League One brand of football, is  being sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau.

    Interestingly, both teams topped Group 2 (Uyo) A and B respectively with six points  and  seven points respectively  but Palm Syrup would have their hands full against  unbeaten Kun Khalifa after three matches with two victories and a draw, scoring six goals and conceding just two goals.

    But it was a sad one for RORO FC owned by Nigeria stand-up comedian, Bowoto Jephthah Oluwatiseyifumi Tanimola, popularly known as Akpororo, as his team finished second behind Palm Syrup FC despite going past them on the final group game.

    At the Kano Centre, Tudun Wada and Green Lock go top of Group 1 A and B after picking maximum  six points each from two matches.

    Green Lock come from behind to pip  Kwankwasiyya Samba 2-1 with goals from Enoch Enenche in the one hour mark and a 75th  minute strike from Onyedika Philip, thus making  Muhammad Auwar’s 24th opening goal to count for little.

    For Tudun Wada who got their campaign off in a slow start on Matchday One, brushed aside Like Minds FC by a goal to nil no thanks from a strike by Rabiu Abdullahi in the 12th minute.

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    Meanwhile, despite being on  six points each, both Tudun Wada and Green Lock FC must avoid a scandalous defeat on their final group matches today, as an upset could mar any chances of a semi-final spot.

    However, in the other results Zeal Minds FC trounced Barau/Murtala FC 4-0 with Ngbede Moses scoring a brace, while Krane FC snatched a win in the seven -goal thriller against Jaguar FC, as their game ended 4-3.

    Vandrezzer JNR earned their first  three points with  a 2-1 win over FC Chimoski, as NA Royal FC were also 2-1 winners over FC Sheika.

    Uyo MATCHDAY 3  RESULTS:

    FC Chimoski 1-2 Vandrezzer JNR

    Jaguar FC 3-4 Krane FC

    Palm Syrup FC 0-1 RORO FC

    Kun Khalifa FC 1-0 Olegacy FC

    KANO MATCHDAY 2 RESULTS:

    Tudun Wada 1-0 Like Minds

    Kwankwasiyya Samba 1-2 Green Lock

    Zeal Minds FC 4-0 Barau/Murtala FC

    NA Royal FC 2-1 FC Sheika

  • Dogfights in Kano, Uyo for NLO Cup

    Dogfights in Kano, Uyo for NLO Cup

    Sixteen grassroot teams will ignite the cities of Kano and Uyo as the eagerly anticipated maiden Nationwide League One (NLO)  Cup kicks  off today

    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.

    Today’s  opening match 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  is fixed for 10 am.

    Chief Operating Officer of the nation’s third-tier league , Olushola Ogunnowo ,  speaking ahead  of the kick- off is optimistic  about  the success of the competition.

    “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,” he said.“ 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.

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     “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 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 between  24th   November  and  9th  December.

  • MTN named as headline sponsor Of NLO Cup

    MTN named as headline sponsor Of NLO Cup

    The Nationwide League One (NLO)  has announced MTN Nigeria  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 , Silas Agara announced the ground-breaking development  via the  NLO Media Channel.

    “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.

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    “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,” he added. 

  • FirstCentral Credit Bureau to Sponsor NLO Cup

    FirstCentral Credit Bureau to Sponsor NLO Cup

    The Nationwide League One (NLO) has sealed a sponsorship deal with  FirstCentral Credit Bureau.

    FirstCentral Credit Bureau Limited, Nigeria’s only independent and first licensed credit bureau will bankroll the NLO Cup and the nation’s third-tier domestic league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) to herald the 2024/25 season kick-off.

    Chairman of the nation’s third-tier league Hon. Silas Agara announced the breakthrough during a press conference held at the NLO Secretariat Board Room in Abuja.

    A delighted Agara, said  the various reforms the new Board has put in place, have started yielding positive gains and have made the NLO a more attractive brand for corporate Nigeria.

    This is evident with the new sponsorship deal between the NLO and FirstCentral Credit Bureau.

    The sponsorship will cover the Nationwide League One- NLO Cup which is billed to kick off in Kano and Uyo on November 24th  and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) billed for December 8, to set the pace for the 2024/25 season kick-off.

    Hon. Agara, a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, told NLO Media Channel: “We are delighted to have the FirstCentral Credit Bureau come on board as one of our sponsors.

    “I believe the various reforms that the new board is proposing to the AGM will yield positive gains and make the NLO a more attractive brand to Corporate Nigeria. The reforms are yet to be approved, but due to positive activities from the NLO Secretariat, we have been seeing positive changes.

    “You will agree with me that the Nationwide League One with over 300 clubs making it the largest in Africa, is a viable brand for corporate organization in Nigeria, this has brought about our relationship with First Central Credit Bureau.

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    “Football in Nigeria is massive and an incredible unifier that connects people from all walks of life, as grassroot football is watched daily. It’s on record that 70% of NLO Division One and U-19 Youth League matches were live-streamed via the NLO TV App.

    The leadership of the NLO has also shown commitment to the growth of grassroot football which has seen a massive increase in the number of participating teams in the NLO from 80 clubs to over 300 clubs cutting across all 36 States of the Federation and FCT, due to our financial prudence with the little resources available.

    “The Board can confidently assure Nigerians that with support from top brands such as First Central Credit Bureau, Nigerians will see more positive service delivery from the NLO.

    “So, FirstCentral Credit Bureau will leverage our platform by sponsoring the inaugural NLO Cup and also take care of the bills for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) billed for Friday, December 8, 2023.”

  • Kano, Uyo to host 16 teams in NLO Cup

    Kano, Uyo to host 16 teams in NLO Cup

    The ancient city of Kano and Uyo will host 16 best teams in the grassroots league in the maiden Nationwide League One- NLO Cup billed to  hold between November 24 and December 9.

    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.

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    “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 round 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.”

  • Lagos FA to hold pre-season tourney for NNL, NLO teams

    Lagos FA to hold pre-season tourney for NNL, NLO teams

    • Taofeek Babalola

    Members of the Technical Committee of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) have concluded arrangement to organise Lagos pre-season tournament involving Lagos based teams from NNL and NLO holding from 18-22 September at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

    In the communique signed by the chairman technical committee of LSFA, Alhaji Liameed Olawale Gafar, the pre-season tournament would be organised to keep the NLO and NNL teams in good shape ahead of the new season. He assured that more clubs would be promoted to NNL and NLO in the next season and urged the club owners to take part in the forthcoming Lagos pre-season tournament.

    Also, the Technical Committee urged the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to complete the ongoing works at the Agege stadium and other sports centres in the state, to accommodate the busy football calendar of the LSFA new board led by Alhaji Fouad Oki this year.

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    Similarly, the Technical Committee also resolved to start early preparation for 2023/24 Lagos State Challenge Cup. The Lagos FA Cup would be played in various designated centres instead of concentrating on particular places.

    On the Principal Cup, the Committee proposed to the Lagos FA board to divide Principal Cup into two, namely: Junior and Senior Principal Cup.

    It was observed that schools these days have junior and secondary schools, and stemming from popular demand, the technical committee, therefore, recommended that the competition be played separately.