Twenty-five elite teams from Nigeria’s third-tier football league are gearing up to make a strong statement as the 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup kicks off from October 5th to 20th.
The competition, which is organized for champions—teams promoted during the regular Division One and U19 Youth League seasons—will mark the second edition of the NLO Cup.
However, 2024 tournament takes on added significance as it will be the first time it is sponsored by Afriskaut, a leading player in data-driven football scouting and player analytics.
Afriskaut’s involvement is set to bring a fresh level of sophistication to the tournament, as their cutting-edge expertise in football scouting and player performance analysis is expected to add value to the overall competitiveness.
The NLO Secretariat, via its official media channel, has released the list of the 25 participating teams, along with their respective conferences.
In the Northern Conference, the teams include Barau FC, Kano, FC Basira, Lafia, Junior Danburan FC, Katsina,, Dan Lawan FC, Adamawa, Yalo FC, Bauchi,, Mamba Pro FC, FCT, Global Peace FC, Jos, Gimzsoca FC, Jigawa, Atlantic Integral FC, Niger, Jega United FC, Kebbi, Tahir Babes FC, Kano, Kano Ambassadors FC, Kano, and Shied FC, Kano.
The Southern Conference, meanwhile, is headlined by First Bank FC Lagos, alongside Igbajo United, Osun, Kun Khalifat FC, Imo, Magic Stars, Lagos, Emalex FC, Ondo, FC Ebedei Junior, Ogun, and Elebuibon Boyz, Osun. Additional teams include May & Frank FC, Calabar, Ahudiyannema FC, Abia, Bendel Insurance Junior FC, Edo, Ozzala FC, Anambra, and Liqui Moly FC, Lagos.
According to NLO’s Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo, the Afriskaut NLO Cup adds a new level of inclusivity to the Champion of Champions competition.
“The Afriskaut NLO Cup makes the Champion of Champions competition more inclusive than ever before,” Ogunnowo explained. “This allows the clubs to test themselves against a wider range of best opponents and raises the prospect for fans of seeing the top teams go head-to-head.”
Ogunnowo further emphasized that the format will increase the level of competition throughout the tournament.
“It will also result in more competitive matches for every club across the board,” he added.
The event promises to be a football spectacle, with the 25 teams—13 from the Northern Conference and 12 from the Southern Conference—showcasing their talents at two key venues: Bwari Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory and Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.
Fans can expect thrilling football action, with the participating clubs bringing their best skills to the field.
Ogunnowo concluded by noting the excitement that awaits spectators, “These teams will ignite the Bwari Stadium and the Dipo Dina Stadium with their best football skills and great goals, which definitely will keep fans on the edge of their seats as they catch a glimpse of the football showpiece.”
The 2024 Afriskaut NLO Cup is shaping up to be an unmissable event for Nigerian football enthusiasts, as it brings together the country’s rising stars in a competition that promises excitement, fierce rivalry, and the possibility of discovering new talents.
