Ozalla Football Academy President and sole financier, Ikenna Osueke, has hailed his team’s triumph in the Awka Centre of the 2025 Nationwide League One (NLO) playoffs as “God-ordained”, Completesports.com reports.
Fourteen teams competed for a single qualification spot to the forthcoming Zonal Playoffs, set to take place next week.
Ozalla FA staged a dramatic comeback to defeat tournament favourites, OISA FC of Owerri, 2–1 in a thrilling final at Awka City Stadium on Friday.
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“It shows that no one can alter what God has ordained,” said a visibly elated Osueke, who is fondly referred to as ‘Coach’ by his players.
“I’ve been part of the NLO playoffs—starting from NLO 2—for about four seasons. I believe this is the time God said, ‘My son, this is your time.’ I’m grateful to Him and will forever remain thankful.”
Osueke, who has promised a grand ‘welcome party’ for Ozalla FA players and officials, admitted the road to victory was anything but smooth—even though the ultimate goal, an NNL ticket, is still to be secured.
“We had a tough journey to get to where we are today. You witnessed it yourself. But when God decrees a thing, all human efforts to change it are in vain. In the end, what God has said must come to pass,” Osueke stated, alluding to the numerous controversies that overshadowed the playoffs.
Among the most contentious incidents was Campos FC’s suspicious 15–2 win over A&A Kiviasennus, which resulted in both teams being expelled from the playoffs.
OISA FC also petitioned the NLO Secretariat in Abuja, citing lack of confidence in referees from Anambra State. This led to a last-minute change in officials for their group match against Ikukuoma FC, which ended in a 2–1 defeat for OISA.
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Several referees were later suspended for poor performance during the playoffs. Ahead of the final, OISA FC again demanded neutral referees, prompting the NLO to assign match officials from Delta State. Still, OISA fell 1–2 to Ozalla FA.
The expulsion of Campos FC and A&A opened the door for Ozalla FA and Heartland Feeders to battle it out in their group, with the winner advancing to face OISA in the grand finale. Ozalla edged Heartland Feeders 2–1.
“Destiny can’t be changed or washed away,” Osueke reiterated. “Today’s result has only strengthened my belief in God.
“The players gave it everything. They worked hard, and God crowned their efforts. I’m proud of them. Kudos to the boys—and to our loyal fans.
“The journey has just begun. We’ll resume preparations immediately for the Zonal Playoffs. While we celebrate this moment, we’re fully aware of the challenges ahead,” the Ozalla FA owner concluded.
By Sab Osuji
