The just-concluded New Year Mega Lottery NLO Super 8 tournament has been hailed as a significant milestone for Nigerian football by Barrister Babatunde Akintade, the North Central Representative on the NLO Board.

Akintade, fondly called Bocknor by admirers, described the tournament as a “new dawn,” emphasizing the credibility brought by its grand prize: an 18-seater bus worth ₦30 million, won by Police Baretta FC of Gombe. He commended the tournament’s sponsors for setting a benchmark for sponsorship in Nigerian grassroots football.

“Transportation is one of the major problems affecting grassroots teams in the country. If that is sorted out, other things can easily be handled. We thank the sponsors of this tournament and the NLO Secretariat for organizing such a remarkable event,” said Akintade, who is also the proprietor of Like Minds FC, Gwagwalada.

Police Baretta clinched the coveted prize after defeating Family Worship Center FC of Abuja in a thrilling final that ended 6-5 on penalties. The tightly contested match, held at the Bwari Stadium Complex in Abuja, showcased outstanding performances from both sides.

In March, the NLO announced the New Year Mega Lottery as its title sponsor, pledging the bus for the overall winner of the NLO Division One. Additionally, the lottery firm provided match balls and badges to all registered clubs in the third-tier league.

As the champions, Police Baretta FC received a symbolic key to the bus, marking a significant achievement and enhancing their logistical capabilities as they continue their football journey.