The 2025 Nationwide League One (NLO) Division One season began with fireworks in Uyo as Blessed Stars FC and FC ONE Rocket shared the spoils in an exciting 1–1 draw at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Kicking off at 9:00 a.m., the match set an early benchmark for intensity and entertainment. Blessed Stars displayed silky passing and collective teamwork, while FC ONE Rocket were dynamic in attack, relying on pace and dribbling flair to trouble their opponents.
Both teams created several chances in a goalless first half, but the breakthrough came in the second period when Emmanuel Gotau finished off a sweeping move to put Blessed Stars ahead. The lead was short-lived, however, as Simon Reuben replied five minutes later with a clever solo effort, levelling the game for FC ONE Rocket.
Despite the energetic efforts of coaches Ubong Vincent and Itoro Xavier to push their teams toward victory, neither side could find a winner. The result gives both teams a point apiece as they begin the race for the sole promotion ticket in the Uyo Centre.
Editorial
The Uyo Centre opener wasn’t just a match it was a declaration that the Nationwide League One remains a vibrant hub of Nigerian football. The intensity, ambition, and quality on show in this 1–1 draw signal that the 2025 season will be one to remember.
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What stood out most was the attitude of both teams. Blessed Stars played with cohesion that suggests excellent groundwork, while FC ONE Rocket matched them stride for stride with bold, attacking football. The fact that both sides cancelled each other out speaks to the balance of talent at this level.
Grassroots football in Nigeria rarely gets the spotlight it deserves, yet these are the very platforms where future Super Eagles cut their teeth. Performances like Emmanuel Gotau’s calm finish and Simon Reuben’s decisive equaliser prove that this league is brimming with unpolished gems.
For fans and scouts alike, this opening match was a reminder: if you’re looking for football’s next stars, look no further than the heart of the NLO.
Did You Know?
- The NLO Division One features over 300 clubs, making it one of Africa’s largest grassroots football competitions.
- Uyo Township Stadium has hosted several regional youth tournaments and serves as a talent hub in southern Nigeria.
- FC ONE Rocket is known for its youth development programmes and regularly supplies players to top-tier clubs in Nigeria.
- Blessed Stars FC previously competed in local Akwa Ibom grassroots leagues before joining the national scene.
- NLO teams must finish top of their regional centres to qualify for national promotion playoffs—a high-stakes system that fuels intense competition.
