The football community in Osun State will turn its attention to Osogbo on Monday, March 16, 2026, as the 2026 Oriade Pre-Season Football Tournament gets underway at the Osogbo Grammar School Football Pitch.
Organised by Oriade Football Club and powered by OpekeSpice and Niyazbam, the competition is designed to prepare clubs for the 2026 season of the Nationwide League One, which begins on April 10.
The tournament comes at a crucial time, with the Nationwide League One introducing an enhanced stadium-based format aimed at improving security, officiating standards and broadcast quality. For participating teams, the competition offers a timely opportunity to sharpen tactics, integrate new signings and assess squad depth under competitive conditions.
Tournament Format
The 2026 edition features 12 predominantly Nationwide League One clubs divided into four groups. Only the winner of each group will advance to the semi-finals, raising the stakes across the group stage.
Semi-Final 1 will see the winner of Group A face the winner of Group C.
Semi-Final 2 will feature the winner of Group B against the winner of Group D.
The winners will contest the Grand Final on March 22.
Group Stage Breakdown
Group A
- NA Royal FA
- Kamal FC
- Ijesha Golden Warrior FC
Group B
- Telu FC
- Oriade FC
- AAYK Football Academy
Group C
- Ridyem FC
- OB12 FC
- All Star Ikirun FC
Group D
- Hammola FC
- Victory FC
- Gold FC
With only four semi-final spots available, every fixture is expected to carry decisive importance as clubs step up preparations for the new Nationwide League One campaign.
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