2025 MTN–NLO Cup Kicks Off in Abuja With High-Scoring Encounters

2025 MTN–NLO Cup Kicks Off in Abuja With High-Scoring Encounters 

By Niyi Busari 

The 2025 MTN–NLO Cup began on Monday at the Bwari Stadium in Abuja, as eight teams from across Nigeria opened their campaigns in the week-long grassroots football tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Matchday One delivered intense fixtures, including showpiece clashes involving clubs owned by Nigerian professional stars. Simonben FC of Kaduna owned by Super Eagles and Paris FC winger Moses Simon faced S-I14 of Keffi, a team backed by Montreal Impact forward and Nigeria international Sanusi Ibrahim. S-I14 secured a 1–0 victory courtesy of a 42nd-minute strike from Timothy Daiyi, highlighting the growing involvement of elite Nigerian players in grassroots football development.

One of the standout performances of the day came from Katsina-based Junior Danburam, who defeated Lapai FC 5–1. Striker Mubarak Rabe stole the spotlight by scoring all five goals for Junior Danburam, registering a first-half hat-trick in the 6th, 15th, and 41st minutes before adding two more in the 46th and 69th minutes. Lapai FC’s lone goal came in the 65th minute through Abdulmalik Useni.

Elsewhere, Likeminds FC and Dante FC played out a 1–1 draw. Chuba Ojukwu opened the scoring for Likeminds in the 12th minute before Adams Harrison equalised for Dante FC in the 76th.

HB FC also got off to a winning start, defeating Galadima FC 2–1. Eleja Sunday and Eyo Samuel scored in the 57th and 69th minutes respectively, while Precious Igwilo pulled one back for Galadima FC in the 71st minute.

The opening round featured a flurry of cautions, underlining the competitive edge across the fixtures.

The tournament continues through the week as teams battle for the top prize and the opportunity to showcase grassroots talent on a national stage.