Sensational Stars Academy of Gwagwalada emerged champions of the 2026 NLO Unity Preseason Football Tournament after defeating Likeminds FC in the final  on Friday at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Football Field in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The thrilling encounter ended in a goalless draw after regulation time, but Sensational Stars Academy triumphed 3–2 in a penalty shootout to lift the trophy.

The victory was particularly remarkable as Sensational Stars were the only non-league team participating in the competition.

Likeminds FC, one of the top sides in Nationwide League One (NLO), qualified for the final after finishing top of Group A with seven points.

While Sensational Stars Academy also topped Group B with seven points, finishing ahead of Neurospark FC, Daniel FC, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FC.

Speaking after the match, the Chief Operating Officer of NLO, Olushola Ogunnowo, praised the organisation  of the tournament and the level of competition displayed by the teams.

He said that Gwagwalada has consistently proven to be an important hub for grassroots football development within the FCT.

“I am very happy with what I have seen from the clubs from the beginning of the tournament, especially the young team Sensational Stars Academy.

“It is impressive to see these young players compete confidently against more experienced teams like Daniel FC and NSCDC FC,” he said.

Mr Ogunowo also commended the organisers, Exclusive clCommunications Nigeria (ECN) limited for their commitment to football development in the area, noting that the tournament has become an important annual event.

He added that  NLO used the competition as an opportunity to test new technologies that will be introduced in the league from next season in April to improve operations and ensure clubs receive greater value as participants.

On his part, Coach of Sensational Stars Academy, Mathews Kalu, described the victory as incredible for his team after a difficult previous year.

He said, “We had many ups and downs  in 2025  and did not win any trophy, but thank God things changed this year. From the group stage to the final, God helped us. Our results were 1-0, 1-0 and 1-1 before the final.”

Mr Kalu added that defeating an NLO side proves his young team has the potential to compete at a higher level.

“As an academy, beating a team that plays in the NLO shows that my team is ready for league football. We have talented young players who are hungry to succeed,” he said. 

He noted that the team recently competed in the FCT State League Division One and looking forward to possibly playing in the NLO Division Two in the near future.

According to him, Likeminds FC have always found it difficult to defeat his side whenever the two teams meet.

Also speaking, the General Coordinator of the Unity Preseason Tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu, who expressed satisfaction with the growth of the competition.

The tournament has grown into one of the notable preparatory competitions for clubs, giving teams the opportunity to fine-tune their squads ahead of the new football season while also promoting grassroots football development.

The competition was organised with the support of the NLO as part of preparations for the 2026 football season.

The event started on February 28, and ended on Friday. (NAN)