OYC FC, Right2Win FC Secure NNL Tickets as NLO 1 Play-Offs End in Style at Enyimba Stadium

By: Chuks Ogbu

The recently concluded NLO 1 Play-Offs at the iconic Enyimba Stadium International, Aba, Abia State, ended on a high note, producing two deserving teams for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League, NNL, season and setting a new standard for grassroots football in Nigeria.

The week-long competition, which brought together some of the best third division clubs from across the country, was described by stakeholders as a “total success” in organization, football quality, officiating, and media coverage.

After days of intense battles, OYC FC emerged to pick the sole slot to represent the South region in the upcoming 2026/2027 NNL season.

In the South East slot, Right2Win FC fought hard and won the ticket to represent the South East in the NNL too, sparking wild celebrations among their supporters in Aba.

Both teams displayed discipline, tactical awareness, and fighting spirit throughout the play-offs, and their promotion was widely applauded by fans and football administrators present at the Enyimba Stadium.

Beyond the results on the pitch, the NLO 1 Play-Offs will be remembered for how professionally it was run.

From the pitch condition at the Enyimba Stadium to matchday logistics, security, and officiating, the league ensured a tournament that felt big-league. Referees were firm and consistent, which allowed the football to flow.

In a major boost, all matches were streamed online with robust media packaging, giving fans across Nigeria and the diaspora a chance to follow the action live. The digital push gave young players visibility and made sponsors take notice.

“The organization was top notch. The football was competitive. The officiating was fair. And for the first time, people could watch NLO play-offs live online,” a coach at the tournament said.

Much of the credit has gone to the Chief Operating Officer of the league, Mr. Shola Ogunnowo, who has been driving reforms since taking charge.

Stakeholders say Mr. Ogunnowo has really transformed the NLO and is positioning it to be among the best grassroots leagues on the continent.

Under his leadership, the NLO has prioritized transparency, proper club licensing, media visibility, and player welfare key ingredients that were all on display in Aba.

“When you package the league well, clubs will invest, players will be seen, and scouts will come,” Mr. Ogunnowo said during the closing ceremony. “This is just the beginning.”

With OYC FC and Right2Win FC now set for NNL action, attention shifts to how they will prepare to compete at the next level. For the NLO, the success of the Aba play-offs has raised the bar ahead of future editions.

As the final whistle blew at Enyimba Stadium, one thing was clear: TV third tier football in Nigeria is in good hands, and the NLO under Ogunowu is ready to lead the charge.