Sensational Stars Football Academy emerged champions of the 2026 NLO Unity Preseason Tournament in Gwagwalada after defeating LikeMinds FC 5–3 on penalties following a goalless draw at full time.

 

The highly competitive final lived up to expectations as both teams battled intensely but failed to find the back of the net during regulation time, forcing the encounter into a dramatic penalty shootout.

 

The decisive moment came through the bravery of Sensational Stars’ goalkeeper, Micheal Olowe, whose impressive performance between the posts proved crucial to his team’s victory. Olowe saved two penalty kicks from the opposition, matching the effort of LikeMinds FC goalkeeper Joshua Edijana, who also stopped two attempts.

 

However, Olowe ultimately sealed victory for Sensational Stars when he calmly stopped  the final penalty, sending his side into celebrations and securing the tournament trophy for the 2S Academy boys.

 

The final match attracted a large crowd of football enthusiasts and dignitaries who gathered to witness the thrilling encounter. Among those present were the Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One (NLO), Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo; Member representing the North Central on the NLO Board, Barrister Babatunde Akintade; former Secretary General of the Nigeria Referees Association, Mr. Sunday Audu; and former Secretary General of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Andrew Abah.

 

Speaking after the match, the NLO Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo, praised the organizers of the tournament, ECN Global Ventures, as well as the participating teams for their outstanding performances throughout the competition.

 

“Gwagwalada has consistently proven to be an important hub for grassroots football development within the FCT,” Ogunnowo said. “We commend the young players of Sensational Stars Academy for competing confidently against more experienced teams. Their victories over established NLO teams such as Daniel FC, NSDC FC, Neurospark FC and LikeMinds FC demonstrate that they are a team to watch in the future.”

 

He also urged teams to address areas of improvement identified during the tournament as they prepare for the commencement of the Nationwide League One season scheduled for April.

 

The General Coordinator of the tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu, expressed appreciation to all participating teams for their professionalism and competitive spirit during the event.

 

Ngwaogu noted that the primary objective of the tournament was to provide clubs with an opportunity to assess their squads, test new recruits and prepare strategically for the upcoming football season.

 

He also commended the leadership of the NLO for supporting and partnering with ECN Global Ventures to successfully organize the tournament. According to him, all matches were streamed live on the league’s platforms, giving fans wider access to the competition.

 

The Unity Preseason Tournament continues to serve as an important platform for grassroots football development, offering emerging teams the chance to gain competitive experience ahead of the new season. Organizers expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s steady growth and revealed that the NLO also used the event to test new technological innovations that may be introduced in future league seasons.

Their victory in the preseason tournament highlights the team’s rising potential and determination as they set their sights on greater achievements in Nigerian grassroots football.