Hyperbuzz FC Triumph in Dramatic Finale to Win 2025 NLO Cup

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Hyperbuzz FC of Abuja have clinched the 2025 NLO Cup after a nerve-shredding 6–5 penalty shootout victory over JNR Danburan FC of Katsina.

The pulsating final at Bwari Stadium ended 2–2 in regulation time, delivering a spectacle worthy of a championship decider.

The tournament’s unbeaten finalists lived up to expectations, showcasing flair, grit, and quality from start to finish. With a combined 18 goals scored in the group stage alone, both sides brought attacking firepower into the final and it showed.

JNR Danburan drew first blood in the 43rd minute through red-hot striker Mubarak Rabe, who netted his 11th goal in just four matches. But Hyperbuzz FC hit back swiftly after the break, as Sunday Elijah rose highest to head home the equaliser in the 51st minute.

Momentum swung Hyperbuzz’s way just after the hour mark when Ridwan Yusuf fired in a sensational long-range effort to put the Abuja side ahead.
But true to their character, JNR Danburan battled back once more, levelling at 2–2 courtesy of Aminu Abduljalil, who reacted fastest in a crowded penalty area.

With no further breakthrough, the contest moved to penalties — and it was Hyperbuzz FC who held their nerve. Despite an early miss, the Abuja side converted their next six kicks with ice-cold precision, while JNR Danburan faltered once, settling the championship in dramatic fashion.

Hyperbuzz FC walked away with the ₦2.5 million champions’ prize, while runners-up JNR Danburan earned ₦1.5 million for their impressive campaign.

The 2025 final will be remembered not just for its goals, drama, and tension, but for the sheer quality displayed by two teams who proved their worth from start to finish. A true showcase of rising talent in Nigerian grassroots football.