Ekiti United Name Squad for Rescheduled NLO Playoffs, Set Sights on NNL Promotion
Can Ekiti United break into Nigeria National League? That’s the question echoing across the state’s football community as Ekiti United FC heads into the rescheduled National League One (NLO) Southern Zone promotion playoffs with everything on the line.
Ekiti United FC has named its final 25-man squad for the competition, now set to begin Saturday, July 12, at the Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu, Ogun State — nearly a month after the original June 12 date was postponed.
With only one promotion spot up for grabs, the stakes are high. The team, representing Ekiti State, will face Hammola FC, Adeyemi FC, and Morak FC in quick succession. Their campaign opens against Hammola FC at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, continues against Adeyemi FC on Sunday at 9:00 a.m., and wraps up on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. against Morak FC.
The NLO Secretariat has directed all clubs to arrive by Friday, July 11. According to the league body, matches will be livestreamed on YouTube and broadcast on NTA — a move that broadens access for fans unable to travel.
Ekiti United’s squad selection reflects a balance of experience and emerging talent. The 25-man list includes goalkeepers Ozovehe Tosin, Olanipekun Dayo, and Makanjuola Wale. In defense: Oladimeji Joshua, Teekina Michael, Adeniyi Mustapha, Alex Victor, Akinyemi Seyi, Kolade Taiwo, Anierobi Amaechi, Ajileye Ademola, and Pelumi Olaniyan. The midfield is anchored by Rasheed Lawal, Musa Muyideen, Ishola Oluwole, Ishak Adetunji, Tijani Azeez, and Bello Adebanjo. Leading the attack are Ogunsakin Ayodeji, Amuda Hakeem, Adegoke Abiodun, Ogunkuwade David, Oluwole Temitope, Amuda Sheriff, and Elegbeleye Olaoluwa.
Ekiti United reached this stage after finishing top of the Ijebu Ode group in the NLO regular season — ahead of Adamimogo FC, Choice FC, Bendel Insurance Feeders, and Olukismet FC.
In a statement released by the club’s media officer, Blessing Akinyemi, the team acknowledged key support behind its playoff preparations:
“We sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji (BAO), for his fatherly support and guidance; Dr. Olusola Osetoba, Technical Advisor on Sports Development, for her tireless efforts; and the Ekiti State FA Chairman and stakeholders for standing by us,” Akinyemi said.
But beyond institutional backing, the playoff carries wider implications. A promotion to the NNL would elevate the state’s presence in national football, open doors for player scouting, and strengthen the development pipeline for young athletes across the state.
With little room for error, the playoffs offer a clear test: not just of the players’ resolve, but of the state’s ambitions for competitive football.
If Ekiti United wins, what changes for grassroots football in the state — and what happens if they don’t?
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