2025 NLO Cup Kicks Off in Abuja With High-Scoring Encounters

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The 2025 Nigeria League One Cup has kicked off at the Bwari Stadium in Abuja, as eight teams from across the country opened their campaigns in the week-long grassroots football tournament.

Matchday One delivered intensity, flair, and standout performances, especially from clubs backed by Nigerian international footballers.

One of the marquee fixtures featured Simonben FC of Kaduna, owned by Super Eagles and Paris FC winger Moses Simon, taking on S-I14 of Keffi, a team supported by CF Montréal forward and Nigeria international Sanusi Ibrahim.

S-I14 secured a narrow 1–0 victory, courtesy of a composed 42nd-minute strike from Timothy Daiyi, underlining the growing involvement of top Nigerian players in grassroots football development.

The most eye-catching performance of the day came from Katsina-based Junior Danburam, who dismantled Lapai FC 5–1.

Striker Mubarak Rabe delivered a sensational five-goal masterclass—netting a first-half hat-trick in the 6th, 15th, and 41st minutes, before adding two more strikes in the 46th and 69th minutes.

Lapai FC managed their lone response through Abdulmalik Useni in the 65th minute.

Elsewhere, Likeminds FC and Dante FC battled to a 1–1 draw. Chuba Ojukwu opened the scoring for Likeminds in the 12th minute, but Dante FC’s Adams Harrison struck back late in the 76th minute to ensure both sides shared the spoils.

HB FC also grabbed a winning start, edging Galadima FC 2–1.
Eleja Sunday broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, with Eyo Samuel doubling the lead in the 69th. Galadima’s Precious Igwilo pulled one back two minutes later, but HB FC held on for the victory.

The opening day featured a flurry of cautions across several games, reflecting the fierce competitiveness and hunger displayed by all participating teams.

As the tournament continues throughout the week, fans can expect more thrilling8 encounters as clubs fight for supremacy and aim to showcase some of Nigeria’s brightest grassroots talents on a national stage.