Sports
OML 58 Football Competition: Okinali Narrowly Defeats Obite 4-3
Eele Okinali FC of Elele , in Ikwerre Local Government Area, (LGA) in Rivers State, has won the 18th edition of OML 58 football tournament, among the oil bearing communities of TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited.
The grand finale of the competition which witnessed huge crowd at Obite Civic Centre, in Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area, on Saturday, saw Elele Okinali defeated fighting Obite FC 4-3 to lift the trophy.
OML 58 football competition is an annual event organised and sponsored by the company. The aim was basically to foster peace, unity and friendiliness within its operational communities.
This competition has over the years met its intended purpose as it has sustained harmonious living among the oil producing communities, besides hidden talents have been discovered and nurtured to stardom in previous editions.
Speaking with sports journalists shortly after the match, Deputy Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Victor Bandele, explained the company’s achievements to sustain the mutual relationship with host communities.
Mr Bandele, who was represented by the company’s General Manager, JV onshore field operation, Christopher Emuh, expressed joy as company and OML 58 stakeholders managed the Covid 19 protocols that imposed some constraints on the operations.
“Be assured of the commitment of NNPC/TEPNG joint venture to continue to identify with our youth in their efforts to engage in purposeful endeavours, including sporting activities to foster togetherness and build enduring social bridges across the different communities that have participated in this competition,” Mr. Bandele said.
It would be recalled that the theme of this edition was tagged “Playing for Peace”.
By: Tonye Orabere
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
