Blessed Stars Dominate Sillina FC 5–1 to Take Charge at Uyo Centre

Blessed Stars FC delivered a commanding performance to thrash Sillina FC 5–1 in a Matchday 3 showdown at the Uyo Township Stadium in the 2025 Nationwide League One (NLO). The emphatic victory saw Blessed Stars rise to the top of the 12-team Uyo Centre standings, level on points with FC ONE Rocket but ahead on goal difference.

The scoring began early when Victor Benjamin smashed home a powerful opener in the 13th minute. Just over ten minutes later, Blessed Stars doubled their lead, this time via an own goal from a Sillina defender under pressure from an Isaiah Adeoye cross. Team captain Imo Bright capped off a flawless first half with a 40th-minute strike, finishing off a slick team move to make it 3–0.

Sillina FC briefly threatened a comeback when Iwekumo scored in the 50th minute, but the momentum was quickly snuffed out. Emmanuel Gotau added Blessed Stars’ fourth in the 62nd minute with his second goal of the season. The rout was completed when substitute defender Victor Ogbonna nodded home from a Prosper Okon set-piece to seal the win at 5–1.

The victory leaves Blessed Stars tied at the top with FC ONE Rocket on seven points but with a superior goal difference. A host of teams—including P Sports, KMK Foundation, Ereme Jackson, Citiboi FC, and Ibom Youths FC—trail closely with six points each. Meanwhile, Plam Syrup FC and Willbross FC remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.

Editorial

What Blessed Stars FC accomplished against Sillina FC is not just a win—it’s a statement. In a league often plagued by inconsistency and unpredictable outcomes, performances like this restore confidence in what structured development and tactical discipline can achieve.

From the opening whistle, Blessed Stars played with intent. Every pass had purpose, every run had conviction, and their finishing was clinical. But beyond the scoreline, this result highlights the growing competitiveness and quality of the Nationwide League One. These are not just players hoping for promotion; they are teams pushing the standard of Nigeria’s grassroots football.

We are particularly encouraged by the variety in Blessed Stars’ attack—from long-range thunderbolts to well-orchestrated set-piece goals. It speaks of a team that is being coached, not just trained. That kind of technical detail is what separates contenders from pretenders.

The road to glory in the NLO is long and often turbulent. But if Blessed Stars can maintain this level of performance, they’ll not only lead the Uyo Centre they might redefine expectations for what is possible at this level of Nigerian football.

Did You Know?

1. The Nationwide League One (NLO) is the third tier of Nigerian club football and features over 300 registered teams across various centres.
2. Uyo Township Stadium, the venue of this clash, also serves as a training ground for Akwa United FC of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

3. Victor Benjamin, who opened the scoring for Blessed Stars, previously played for a community side in Benue State before moving to Uyo.
4. The NLO is one of the largest grassroots leagues in Africa and is considered a key talent pipeline for Nigeria’s national teams.
5. Blessed Stars FC was founded as a youth outreach initiative by a former semi-professional footballer and now runs both male and female development squads.