ADADUpdating your news feed...
NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
Loading banners
Loading banners...
By STEPHEN BENJAMIN
Clubs across the country are set to begin their campaigns in the 2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) Cup, with several opening fixtures scheduled for Saturday.
The fixtures released on Wednesday for the competition feature teams across the North-Central, North-West, South-West and other zones, with matches scheduled at designated venues through the opening weeks of the tournament.
In the North-Central Zone, Ben Akwuegbu FC will face RBM Sports at the Jos International Stadium, Zaria Road, while Paul E FC will take on City FC at Area 3 Pitch, Abuja. Both matches are scheduled for 4 p.m.
Atlantic Integral FA will meet Abuja United FC at ASCO Camp, Ajaokuta, at 2 p.m., while Young Kogite FC will play Bussdor United FC at the same venue at 4 p.m.
In the North-West Zone, Danbatta FC will host Kano Pillars Junior at Danbatta Stadium on Oct. 17, while Ikon Allah will face Chanji FC at Nasara Stadium, Zaria, on Oct. 18.
The South-West Zone fixtures also feature several opening-week encounters.
In Group A, Bariga Stars FC will host Seamoriow FC at Bariga Stadium, while Green Lock FC will take on SGFC FC at Maracana Stadium on Oct. 17. Beyond Limit FA will face Ebedei Sport College at Remo Stadium in Ikene, Ogun on Oct. 30.
In South-West centre B, Yewa FC will host Ikonnect FA at Ilaro Stadium on Oct. 17, while Samba Boys FC will play Utmost FC and Just John FC will face Sleek FC at the MKO Sport Arena, Abeokuta, Ogun on Oct. 21.
South-West centre C will see Okaka FC face 360 Degree FC at Maracana Stadium, while Easy Nter FC will take on Excellence Boys FC at Dipo Dina Stadium, with both matches scheduled for Oct. 17.
In South-West Group D, NA Royal FC will meet F8Ballers FC at KFA Ilorin Stadium, while Telu FC will face ROMS FC at Iwo Stadium. EKSU Galacticos FC will also take on OBAS FC at Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, with all three matches scheduled for Oct. 17.
In the South-East and South-South Zone, Foster FC will take on Giant Brillars FC at the FGGC Pitch, Umuahia, on Oct. 21, while Right2Win FC will go against Triple VFR at the Enyimba Stadium on Oct. 22.
Heaven Race FC will take on Supreme Kings FC at Uyo Township Stadium on Oct. 24. INGAS FC will square up against Jaguar FC at the Liberty Stadium, Enugu, on Oct. 24.
The fixtures Indicate a series of matches across designated venues, with clubs expected to compete for progress in the tournament.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament was initially scheduled to begin on Oct. 10 but was shifted to Oct. 17.
According to the NLO secretariat, the adjustment was necessary to allow additional time for logistical preparations , maintenance works at some designated venues and completion of registration among others.
The NLO Cup provides participating clubs with additional competitive opportunities and a platform for players to demonstrate their abilities. (NAN)
