HB FC, JNR Danburan Clash In Goal-Fest MTN NLO Cup Final
By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE
THE 2025 MTN NLO Cup reaches its climax on Friday as HB FC and JNR Danburan battle for the title at Bwari Stadium, Abuja, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. Both sides arrive in strong form after dominating their respective groups.
JNR Danburan have been the standout team of the tournament, topping Group Two with three straight wins, 12 goals scored, and only two conceded. Their biggest weapon, striker Mubarak Rabe, has lit up the competition with 10 goals in three matches—including a five-goal opener against Lapai FA and a four-goal haul versus SI14 FC.
HB FC also impressed in Group One, finishing with seven points from two wins and a draw to book their place in the final. The club’s tactical discipline and balanced attack set the stage for a compelling showdown with the tournament’s most explosive side.
NLO Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo, praised the quality of the competition, noting that the finalists exemplify the league’s mandate of discovering and developing grassroots talent. With both teams having scored a combined 18 goals, he predicts a high-intensity contest that will showcase the future of Nigerian football.
The MTN-sponsored tournament began with eight teams, including Dante FC, Galadima FC, Likeminds FC, and Palm Syrup FC. This year’s finale follows last season’s dramatic 7–2 triumph by Tudun Wada FC.
