The 2025 season of the New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One (NLO) at the Kwara Centre has officially ended, with Na Royal FC and House Of Prayer FC clinching top spots in Groups A and B, respectively.
Na Royal FC booked their place at the top of Group A on Monday with a 2-0 victory over Barrier FC, taking advantage of La Planet’s 3-2 defeat to Ka'ah FC. In Group B, House Of Prayer edged Laycon FC on goal difference, both teams finishing with 16 points after House Of Prayer’s 2-1 win over Araba FC on Tuesday.
Kwara State NLO Event Manager, Akorede Kehinde Monsuru, praised all participating teams and referees for maintaining strict adherence to league rules. Speaking after the conclusion of the matches, he highlighted the importance of discipline and fairness in officiating.
“All officiating officials were briefed before the league began. The standard of the league is a top priority, and I'm proud of the teams and referees for respecting the integrity of the game,” Akorede said.
He lauded the performance of the referees, stating, “There were no complaints about officiating. The referees did an excellent job, and every team gave their best.”
Akorede also commended the Chief Operating Officer of the NLO, Mr. Shola Ogunowo, for his efforts in raising the standard of the league.
“The COO, Mr. Shola Ogunowo, is doing excellently well to ensure the league improves continually,” he added.
He noted that the Kwara Centre has become one of the most competitive zones, with no team going unbeaten throughout the season—a testament to the quality of play and discipline exhibited by the teams and match officials.
“Fairness and discipline were key. If a team lacked sportsmanship, they were out. That’s why we had fewer complaints and more competitive football,” he explained.
Akorede also revealed the steady growth of the league in Kwara, with ten new teams joining between 2023 and 2025.
“This growth is not just in Kwara but across other centers like Oyo State, where teams have increased from six to ten. We expect even more participation next year,” he concluded.
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