2025 NLO Playoffs: Stormers SC Roar Back to NNL in Stunning Ibadan Finale

Posted : 15 June 2025

After two challenging seasons in the third tier, Stormers Sports Club of Abeokuta have clinched promotion back to the Nigeria National League (NNL), and they did so with a thrilling 2-1 win in Ibadan.

The dramatic final matchday of the NLO playoffs took place at Olubadan Stadium, where Stormers SC entered the game needing nothing less than a win against group leaders Real Sapphire FC, who were level on 4 points with Joy Cometh FC.

At the same time, Joy Cometh faced already-eliminated FC Ebedei at the Lekan Salami Stadium, a match many expected them to win comfortably. However, in classic football fashion, fate had other plans.

Joy Cometh squandered numerous scoring opportunities, and FC Ebedei’s goalkeeper turned in a heroic performance, keeping the match goalless and dashing Joy Cometh’s promotion hopes.

Meanwhile, over at Olubadan, Stormers and Real Sapphire delivered a match filled with tension, pace, and high-stakes drama.

The first major moment came in the 8th minute when Real Sapphire earned a penalty—but Michael Adewumi was denied by Stormers’ standout goalkeeper Godwin Azubogu, who guessed right and kept his team alive.

Stormers capitalized almost immediately. In the 15th minute, Gabriel Agossevi opened the scoring with a well-placed strike that sent the Abeokuta faithful into celebration.

Real Sapphire struck back in the 63rd minute, as Jimoh Jamiu rifled in an equalizer to restore their qualification hopes.

But with just seven minutes left on the clock, Stormers’ Lekan Aliu found the breakthrough. His composed finish made it 2-1 and proved to be the winner, completing Stormers' dramatic resurgence and sealing their return to the NNL.

The result meant Stormers leapfrogged both Joy Cometh and Real Sapphire to finish top of the playoff group—a remarkable turnaround after starting the final day with just 3 points.

This promotion is not just a win for Stormers SC—it’s a timely boost for Ogun State football, especially coming just 24 hours after Gateway United was relegated to the Nationwide League One (NLO).

For football fans in Abeokuta, Stormers' promotion represents more than just sporting success—it’s a story of resilience, redemption, and belief.

2025 NLO Playoffs: Stormers SC Roar Back to NNL in Stunning Ibadan Finale

After two challenging seasons in the third tier, Stormers Sports Club of Abeokuta have clinched promotion back to the Nigeria National League (NNL), and they did so with a thrilling 2-1 win in Ibadan.

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