By Aderonke Ojo
The Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One (NLO), Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo, has commended the organisers of the 2026 Unity Preseason Football Tournament held in Gwagwalada, describing the competition as an important platform for grassroots football development.
Ogunnowo, who monitored the tournament, praised the participating teams for their impressive performances, noting that Gwagwalada has continued to play a significant role in the growth of grassroots football within the Federal Capital Territory.
“I am very happy with what I have seen from the clubs since the beginning of the tournament, especially the young team Sensational Stars Academy,” he said.
“It is impressive to see the young players compete confidently against more experienced teams like Daniel FC and NSCDC FC.”
He also commended the organisers, Exclusive Communications Nigeria Limited (ECN), for their commitment to football development, adding that the competition has gradually developed into an important annual event.
Ogunnowo further revealed that the NLO used the tournament to test new technological systems that could be introduced in the league next season to improve operations and ensure clubs derive greater value from their participation.
Sensational Stars Academy were the only non-league side in the competition, making their victory over Likeminds FC, a team competing in the NLO, particularly remarkable.
The final match, played at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Football Field, ended goalless in regulation time before Sensational Stars triumphed 3–2 on penalties to defeat Likeminds FC and lift the trophy.
Sensational Stars finished top of Group B with seven points ahead of Neurospark FC, Daniel FC and NSCDC FC to qualify for the final, while Likeminds FC topped Group A with the same number of points.
The Unity Preseason Tournament has become an important preparatory competition for clubs ahead of the new season, while also promoting grassroots football development.
The tournament, which featured eight teams, was organised with the support of the NLO as part of preparations for the 2026 football season scheduled to begin in April.
