The New Year Mega Lottery Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) Division One 2025 Season has been nothing short of a thrilled and fiercely competitive one.
With over 60 teams pooled into groups across all centres contending for a coveted spot in their respective zonal playoffs for the eight promotional tickets to the second-tier division; Nigeria National League (NNL).
The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba is expected to be packed with passionate supporters and football enthusiasts by 10am on Sunday, April 27, 2025, witnessing its first Oil City Derby between the two-neighbouring teams, Ughelli Rovers Football Club and Isoko United.
With both local fans known for their vibrant displays and unwavering loyalty behind the teams, the Ughelli-based club side is commonly loved by far and near with a strong fanbase in its communities.
For the Oleh-based outfit, a smaller but dedicated stand of fans will make the trip, hoping to cheer their club to its first win this season and another local derby triumph.
For both Ughelli Rovers and Isoko United, this is more of a historical rivalry than just a football game.
Something even farther than earning all maximum points, a victory in this anticipating showdown is as holding onto the bragging rights till the next tie and could also determine their campaign while shaping either sides’ chance in the race for qualification.
The derby, however, has overtime seen a reel of interesting and controversial moments both on and off the pitch.
With the previous meeting at this preliminary stage last season, ending in a tightly contested 2-1 win for the Oleh-based outfit against the Eguono V’Ovwian Boys at the Kwale Township Stadium, Delta State.
This fixture is one of the most-talked in recent times in the metropolis considering the communal boundaries and similarities, with Ughelli Rovers seeking revenge and Isoko United aiming to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat to Itamah Football Academy, and possibly repeat their feat.
Coming off substitute Osuya Blessing 81st-minute winner against Itamah FA, Ughelli Rovers are showing a resilient spirit and team strength.
Their recent form has seen them won four out of five matches, recording one draw, suggests they are in good shape and capable of grinding out results.
Despite a sad loss to the Sapele-based football academy, Isoko United have shown they can be solid, with high-pressing tactics and quick transitions that pump goals but exposing their defensive lapses.
With hints seen from their last match indicating a need to tighten up at the back to face a highly-attacking side.
Technical Adviser of Ughelli Rovers FC, Olaogbebikan Ganiyu, chatting with Platinum News on Saturday night said that he expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation.
While noting that there is still need to develop even work harder toward every game with new approach.
“Our players are young, but they’re disciplined and ready to compete at this level. The NLO is a tough league, but we believe in our ability to secure that playoff ticket.
“Ughelli Rovers will face a team that’s fully committed to winning,” he emphasized.
In addition to, he stated that Isoko United are no strangers and is expected to be another fixture for his team, just as every other opponent they are facing at the Asaba Centre 1 while not ruling out the long-standing rivalry between both clubs.
“Isoko United is a formidable side and a very clinical team. We know them quite alright as they know us too, but this is not going to be the same as last season as we are eager to make an impact. This is a big stage for us.
“We respect them, but we’re here to win and take a step closer to the zonal playoffs,” Ganiyu said.