No fewer than 30 youth football clubs are set to participate in the maiden edition of the Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC) starting from September 8, 2024 to April 2025 with N40 million up for grabs as winning prize.
NYLC president, Robinson Adakosa, disclosed this at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, saying the league, which has been endorsed by the Sports Ministry, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), FCT Football Association (FA) and Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), is aiming at discovering young talented players that will be nurtur to stardom.
He said the Nigeria National League (NNL) and other relevant stakeholders have also endorsed the tournament.
“It is a youth development programme with the mission of providing world-class football experience, and competition for teenagers and young adults between the ages of 16 and 19.
“I’m happy to inform you that 30 youths will participate in the maiden edition of the league. The teams have been divided into two groups of 15 teams each.
“Group A comprising Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi, AS Roma Academy of Abuja, Dynamic African Stars FC of Abuja, Garden City Panthers of Abuja, Legacy Stars FC of Abuja, Joecas FC of Jos, Mees Palace FC of Jos, Plateau United FC of Jos, Shield City FC of Kano, Kwara Football Academy, Kwara United FC, ABS FC Ilorin
Kano Pillars FC, Yobe Desert Stars FC of Damaturu and Crystal Palace of Kebbi.
“Those in group B are Abia Warriors FC of Aba, Akwa United FC of Uyo, Rangers FC of Enugu, Bucknor FC of Lagos, R2 Finesse of Lagos, Atlantic Business FC of Ogun, Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan, Rivers United FC of Port Harcourt, Royalty FC of Lagos, Shuffle Select FA of Lagos, Gateway City FC of Abeokuta, Enyimba Fc of Aba, Austenplus FC and Eagles Stars of Lagos,’ he said.
Adakosa added that the NYLC founded in 2023 will soon become the fastest Youth League in Africa. “It will soon grow to over 1,000,000 members with participants and followers in all the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT.
“Our cardinal objectives are to enable young people to benefit from participation in team sports and activities in a safe and structured environment.”
President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, urged the participating clubs and their players to be good ambassadors of the sport by ensuring discipline in their games to enable them to achieve set goals.
Gusau, who was represented at the press conference by the Chief Operating Officer of NNL, Ayo Abdulrahaman, said: “We decided to endorse and embrace this league because this is part of a developmental programme that will enhance the development of football in Nigeria,” he said.
According to the organisers, the league cup matches would be played on a home and away basis across the country.
There will be a regional championship where all winners will participate at the two conferences.
