The Organizing Committee of the Oriade Football Club Pre-Season Tournament (2nd Edition) has officially announced March 16, 2026, as the kickoff dates for the highly anticipated competition, marking the beginning of the countdown to one of Nigeria’s most strategic pre-season football events.
As the Nationwide League One (NLO) prepares for its 2026 primary season kickoff scheduled for April 10, 2026, the Oriade Pre-Season Tournament has firmly established itself as a critical preparation platform for clubs across the Southwest and North-Central regions of the country.
Originally designed as an eight-team competition, the tournament has witnessed overwhelming interest from NLO clubs, prompting a significant expansion to 13 participating teams for the second edition. This growth underscores the tournament’s rising credibility and its importance in shaping competitive readiness ahead of the new season.
Confirmed Participating Teams:
- NA Royal FC (Kwara State) – Defending Champions
- Oriade FC – Tournament Hosts
- OB 12 Global FA (Ibadan) – “The Oladele Soldiers”
- Hammola International FC – “The Lee Bombers”
- All Stars Ikirun FC – “The Skye Blues”
- Ijesha Golden Warriors FC – “Owa Ijesha Boys”
- AAYK Football Club (Ilesha)
- Telu FC (Iwo)
- ASE Ridyem FC (Ile-Ogbo)
- Ejigbo City FC
- Victory FC
- Dokkal Khairu FC (Ile-Ife)
- Kama FC (Osogbo)
With the March 16 kickoff fast approaching, the tournament will be conducted under professional league standards, ensuring participating teams attain optimal match fitness, tactical sharpness, and organizational discipline ahead of the NLO 2026 season.
The knockout stages will be a major highlight, as a delegation of domestic and international scouts is expected to be in attendance, offering players a direct pathway to secure professional contracts ahead of the NLO registration deadline of February 27.
To further enhance competitiveness and professionalism, Man of the Match awards will be presented after every fixture. Additional accolades for Best Coach and Most Disciplined Team will also be awarded, reinforcing the tournament’s commitment to excellence, fair play, and tactical innovation.
The Oriade Pre-Season Tournament continues to grow as a vital bridge between grassroots development and elite competition, setting the tone for a highly competitive NLO 2026 season.
