The Coordinator of NLO Kwara Centre 1&2, Ambassador Akorede Kehinde Monsuru, has lauded the discipline and sportsmanship displayed by clubs that participated in the just-concluded NLO One League in Kwara State.
Speaking with journalists at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin, on Friday June 12, 2026, Akorede expressed satisfaction with the overall conduct of the competition from the opening day to the final match.
“I have to be sincere; when you look at the performances and conduct of the teams, I am sincerely happy with all the participating clubs,” he said.
According to him, the standard of this year’s competition was significantly higher than in previous seasons, noting that teams demonstrated improved discipline both on and off the pitch.
Akorede highlighted the absence of violence throughout the tournament as one of its biggest achievements, describing it as a positive development for football in the state.
“This year’s tournament was different because there was no record of violence.
If the teams can maintain this level of discipline and commitment, the league will continue to grow,” he added.
The NLO Coordinator, however, identified areas that require improvement ahead of next season, including better match venues and enhanced live-streaming coverage to increase the competition’s visibility and accessibility.
He assured stakeholders that efforts would be made to address these concerns before the next edition.
Akorede also congratulated La Planet SA, for emerging champions of the 2026 NLO Kwara Centre 1 campaign after defeating Abraysports FC 5-3 on penalties in the final played at Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin on Friday, 12 June, 2026.
He urged the management of La Planet SA to seek additional support as they prepare for the National Promotional Playoffs, while calling on football stakeholders and supporters in Kwara State to rally behind the team.
“I congratulate La Planet SA on their success and encourage stakeholders across the state to support the team as they represent Kwara in the National Playoffs in the coming weeks,” he said.
A total of 15 clubs participated in this year’s NLO One competition at Kwara Centre.
La Planet FC emerged winner of the Kwara Centre of the Nationwide League One (NLO) after defeating Abray Sports FC 4-2 on penalties in a thrilling playoff decider played on Friday at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.
The encounter ended 2-2 after regulation time, with La Planet FC holding their nerve in the ensuing penalty shootout to secure qualification for the next stage of the NLO promotional playoffs.
Following a cagey first half that ended goalless, La Planet FC broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Mojeed Saka converted from the penalty spot. Abdulrahman Abdulsalam doubled the advantage in the 71st minute, putting La Planet firmly in control of the contest.
AbraySports FC, however, mounted a remarkable comeback.. Obadun Abdulrasheed pulled one back in the 79th minute before completing his brace seven minutes later to restore parity and send the match into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, La Planet FC displayed greater composure, successfully converting four of their five spot-kicks, while Abray Sports FC missed two crucial penalties, handing victory and qualification to their opponents.
Speaking after the game, La Planet FC head coach, Sheriff Jimoh, commended his players for their fighting spirit and determination.
“I am very happy for my boys because they put up a good fight. We understood Abray Sports and how they play. They are a very strong side, especially in attack. I told my players to remain calm against them, and they were able to do that in the first half,” he said.
Jimoh admitted that his side lost concentration after establishing a two-goal lead, which allowed Abray Sports FC to fight their way back into the match.
“We lost concentration after going two goals up, and that was why we conceded those goals. They gained confidence and were able to equalise because of our lack of concentration. Thankfully, we were able to keep our composure in the shootout and get the win,” he added.
With the victory, La Planet FC will now represent Kwara State at the NLO Promotional Playoffs scheduled for July 2026 in Abuja, where they will battle for a place in the Nigeria National League (NNL), the country’s second-tier football division.
