The 2nd edition of the Oriade Pre-Season Football Tournament got off to an exciting start on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Osogbo Grammar School (OSHO) Football Pitch in Osogbo, Osun State, with defending champions NA Royal FC of Ilorin delivering a commanding 4–0 victory over Ilesha-based Nationwide League One side Ijesha Golden Warriors FC.
Despite dominating the first half, NA Royal FC had to wait until after the break to translate their superiority into goals. The Ilorin side created several clear chances before halftime but were repeatedly denied by the outstanding performance of the Ijesha Golden Warriors goalkeeper, who made a series of point-blank saves to keep the scoreline goalless at the interval.
The breakthrough finally came in the 50th minute when Muhammed Chache rose highest to head home a well-delivered cross, giving the defending champions a deserved lead. Eight minutes later, Tobi Orkugu doubled NA Royal FC’s advantage with a well-taken strike to make it 2–0.
Chache returned to the scoresheet in the 68th minute to complete his brace, capitalizing on a costly miscommunication between the Ijesha Golden Warriors goalkeeper and his defenders to slot the ball into an empty net. Just three minutes later, Sadiq Basiru sealed the emphatic victory with a powerful strike from the edge of the box into the lower right corner, ensuring a perfect start to NA Royal FC’s title defence. Muhammed Chache was deservedly named Man of the Match following his outstanding brace.
In the second match of the day, tournament hosts Oriade FC battled Telu FC in a tightly contested encounter that ended in a goalless draw. Oriade FC centre-back Adebayo Michael delivered a commanding performance at the heart of the defence, making crucial tackles, interceptions, and providing leadership that prevented Telu FC from finding the net. Although Oriade FC created two clear chances in the second half, neither side could break the deadlock.
The third fixture produced more goals as ASE Ridyem FC of Osogbo defeated OB 12 FC of Ibadan 3–2 in an entertaining contest. OB 12 FC struck first in the 42nd minute when midfielder Oladejo Habib delivered an incisive pass that found winger Adegoke Yakub, who beat the offside trap, dribbled the goalkeeper, and calmly finished.
ASE Ridyem FC equalized after the break through Taiwo Afolabi, who converted a penalty following a handball in the box. The Osogbo side took control of the match after OB 12 FC were reduced to ten men when their centre-back received a second yellow card. Afolabi later completed his brace after connecting with a well-worked square pass from midfielder Olamilekan, while Stephen added a third goal in the 80th minute to extend Ridyem’s lead. OB 12 FC managed to pull one back through Adesile Bashir, but Ridyem held on for a deserved victory. Taiwo Afolabi was named Man of the Match after contributing two goals and an assist.
The final match of the day delivered a thrilling spectacle as Victory FC of Lagos and Hammola International FC played out a dramatic 3–3 draw. Hammola FC, who topped the Osun Centre of the Nationwide League One last season, started brightly and took the lead through Ajibola Awoeyo, whose powerful left-footed strike followed a clever flick from striker Adisa Olaadura.
Victory FC responded swiftly with two quick goals to take a 2–1 lead into halftime. Hammola FC equalized in the 63rd minute when Badejo Oluwaseun curled a stunning free kick past the goalkeeper. Victory FC regained the lead in the 82nd minute through Oyewale Dotun, who scored a spectacular volley. However, in dramatic fashion, Hammola FC salvaged a point in stoppage time after a Victory FC defender inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Victory FC striker Bamidele Samuel was named Man of the Match after an impressive display that saw him score one goal and provide an assist.
The action continues on Matchday 2 as teams return to the Osogbo Grammar School Football Pitch for another round of competitive fixtures in the highly anticipated tournament, which serves as an important preparatory platform for clubs ahead of the new football season.
See Matchday 2 Fixtures below:
