The inaugural edition of the Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC) Super 8 competition is set to commence on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The opening match will see the U-19 team of Enyimba FC taking on their Kwara United counterparts, while the second match of Day 1 will feature Plateau United’s U-19 squad face off against Kano Pillars.
Other clubs participating in the tournament include Mailartanki FC of Abuja, Sunshine FC of Akure, Atlantic Business FC of Lagos, and Shuffle Select FC, also of Lagos.
The championship boasts a total prize pool of ₦40 million, with the winners set to receive ₦10 million, the runners-up ₦8 million, and other teams in the standings also eligible for substantial rewards.
The NYLC’s inaugural season, which began in April 2024, has featured 23 teams competing across two conferences: the Northern and Southern Conferences. Plateau United FC, Kano Pillars, Kwara United, and Mailartanki FC of Abuja qualified for the Super 8 from the Northern Conference, while Enyimba FC, Sunshine FC, Atlantic Business FC, and Shuffle Select FC represent the Southern Conference.
Speaking at the press conference and draw for the Super 8 competition yesterday in Abuja, the president of the Nigeria Youth League Cup (N-YLC), Robinson Adakosa, announced that the Super 8 Championship will consist of four matches each day in a round-robin format.
Adakosa reflected on the season’s challenges but assured that the league remains committed to providing opportunities for young players to excel. “This season has not only highlighted remarkable talent but has also attracted attention from European scouts, with plans to continue nurturing these young athletes,” he declared.
He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the participating teams, board members, and key stakeholders from the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Adakosa acknowledged the support and endorsement from various organisations that have made the NYLC’s vision a reality.
He emphasised the league’s commitment to youth development, providing a world-class football experience for teenagers and young adults aged 16 to 19. “Our mission is to inspire young people to embrace sportsmanship, scholarship, and physical fitness in a safe and structured environment.”
Adakosa assured the participating players and stakeholders that comprehensive logistics have been organised to ensure a successful Super 8 tournament, which will take place from June 23rd to June 30th at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Highlighting the global interest in the event, Adakosa announced that FC Barcelona’s Head of Recruitment, Villa Gorriz, will be in attendance, alongside scouts from the UK and the Netherlands.
