What a thrilling, suspenseful Sunday evening at the NSL's battle ground. Waooow, the playoffs definitely isn't for the weak-hearted. Blessed with a perfect afternoon, with temperature in the low 80 degree and a comfortable flow of air, the mood was set right. Seven games scheduled of which two were Veteran games, one was the FA playoffs play-in game (Cheverly FC vs. Team Senegal), and the other four were NSL Playoff games. The play-in game went in favor of Cheverly FC winning in a 1-0 squeeze. Sierra Leone Stars veteran team exposed the group leader in Washington All Stars in a 2-0 upset. The last game between Maracana Veteran vs. Cameroon Veteran ended in a 1 -1 tie despite playing in less than a full game time.

The first game was between the undisputed champion of NSL 2024 season, Bendel FC and the underdog Virginia Community FC, which is a highly respected team because age may not be on their side but make no mistake about the skills and experience, they bring to the field. This game was the ultimate nail biter. Coach Mohamed, before game commenced promised that this game will generate the rave of that of a championship game. Woooow the fans thought what a bold statement to make, but truly it came down to the wire. The game was fast, intense, tact with both coaches clutching onto their hearts, praying, screaming, subbing and pulling out all sorts of tactics to edge the other. Bendel earned a chance to lead the game at the 78th minute to 2-1 but skillful attacker Vitalis missed the penalty kick. That miss electrified Virginia FC, injecting them with more courage to keep fighting. Luckily for Bendel, the miss did not annihilate the confidence of the players; however, the coaching staff had dropped their shoulders in mental defeat. Surprising was the composure of Uche, manager of Bendel FC who was seen invoking calming the spirits above to take over or come to Bendel's aid. The game ended in a 1-1 draw leading to PK. Bendel scoring all five PKs with Ofili closing out while Virginia scored 4 but keeper Dele made a save. Bendel FC advances to semifinal.

The Opopo FC versus Team United clash was another many thought that Team United will cruise, maybe not easily, but favored to win. It appears NSL sports analyst, Manfred Tambe, was right in his prediction considering he scored Team United's chance of advancing to barely 30percent. From the blow of the whistle, with no bench, it appeared Opopo FC will be in trouble. However, the tactics and technical knowledge of Coach Herve along with his crew bought them time as the team of vibrant, youthful players anchored by the experience of Clemens, Ghi, and Mike absorbed the pressure Team United attacking force brought. The spectators all shared Team United had good plans but once they got in the 18-yard box, it appeared their ferocious attacks crippled. Opopo FC squeezed out the win with a 1-0 beat advancing to semifinals to meet Bendel FC.

The Youngblood Warrior quarter finals challenge, which many deemed would be the easiest of the ride was far from being easy despite Warrior missing out on the presence of its prime-time striker, the highest goal scorer. Youngblood too was missing some players; however, in a game of this caliber, no excuses are welcome. One should not go to a gun battle with a jack knife. Being prepared and readily availability is 70percent of winning the battle. Both teams had grand opportunities but neither converted. It wasn't until the 72nd minute that Youngblood FC drew the first blood, at that time the confused coach Ihuoma was awakened with the jolt of excitement. In less than 10minutes, Youngblood had tucked away a second goal as Warrior defense got weakened in pursuit of pushing up left the back door open for the Youngblood attacker to score. The game ended in a 2-0 win.

The game of the night was Eastern United versus OGB Chiefs (Ogbunigwe), it was the game all agreed outcome wouldn't be so predictable. The melee drew attacks from both offenses while their defenses held on time. Like the swing of the pendulum clock, it was like two elephants swinging on each other as one tried to permeate the territory of the other. Both teams were missing some vital role position players yet both teams were fully studded. The level of intensity was high accompanied by the massive chants of spectators watching the game. At the end of the game, only one team will advance, unfortunately for the current champions, OGB Chiefs terminated Eastern's contract for 2024 contract in a 2-0 win. OGB Chiefs advances to play Youngblood FC