The curtain will fall on the inaugural season of the Nigeria Youth League Cup (N-YLC) on Tuesday, April 15, with a series of matches take place concurrently across Nigeria’s Northern and Southern Conferences.
In Kano, the Sani Abacha Stadium will host an exciting clash as the Kano Pillars U-19 team face Grassroots Football Talents Development. Both teams are expected to deliver a thrilling encounter, with the Sai Maisugida side having showcased impressive form throughout the season, positioning themselves as potential champions.
Meanwhile, at the New Jos Stadium, the Plateau Jets will take on the enterprising ABS FC of Ilorin in another closely contested match. In Ilorin, Legacy Stars of Abuja will be guests of Kwara United, while Plateau United will go head-to-head with Mailantarki FC of Abuja in a highly anticipated duel in the Northern Conference.
In the Southern Conference, Bucknor FC will square off against Austen Plus, while Shuffle Select and Eagles Stars prepare for a fierce battle. The Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenogoa will witness Bayelsa United pitted against Abia Warriors, while in Aba, Enyimba FC will welcome Sunshine Stars of Akure in what promises to be a baptism of fire for the visiting side. Additionally, R2 Finesse Football Academy will meet Oyomesi FC of Oyo in another key encounter.
The inaugural season of the N-YLC has the potential to be one of the most fiercely competitive, with title contenders and teams fighting relegation delivering intense and dramatic performances. Many young players are seizing the opportunity to showcase their talents, hoping to attract the attention of scouts watching N-YLC matches weekly.
Robinson Adakosa, President of the Nigeria Youth League Cup, expressed optimism for the future of Nigerian football following the success of this season. He described the inaugural campaign as a beacon of hope for Nigerian football, despite the initial logistical challenges encountered during live broadcasts of matches. Adakosa credited the teams’ determination and resilience, which he believes reflect the spirit of Nigerian football.
“We are thrilled to close the season on such a high note,” Adakosa said. “It has been an electrifying season despite several challenges. We have been able to overcome obstacles and strive to give our best for Nigerian football, which was our goal from day one, and we are delighted to have achieved it.”
The top four teams from each conference will soon compete in the National Play-off as the league wraps up its inaugural season.
