NPFL Youth League: Arierhi Emerges Top Scorer In Ikenne As Race For 4 Slots Begins In Kano, Umuahia

Remo Stars have emerged champions of the Ikenne Centre of the 2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Youth League, with striker Daniel Arierhi topping the scorers’ chart with four goals from five matches.

For the Sky Blue young players, it was a near-perfect outing as they won all their games except for a goalless draw against runners-up Ikorodu City on Matchday 3.

Arierhi’s contributions included four goals out of the tournament’s total of 39 goals scored across 15 matches. Of the 39 goals, three were netted from the penalty spot while one was an own goal.

Isah Ibrahim of Ikorodu City and Akinocchio Mervielle of Remo Stars both scored three goals each. Remo Stars finished with 13 points and a goal difference of +13, while Ikorodu City trailed in second place with 10 points and +5 goals. The two teams have thus qualified for the tournament finals to face the top two teams from the Kano and Umuahia centres.

The race for the two centre slots began today, with El-Kanemi Warriors coming from behind to edge Nasarawa United 2-1. Bukar Yerima and Abdullahi Sanib found the net for El-Kanemi in the 44th and 62nd minutes, respectively, after Naszifi Yunusa had opened the scoring for Nasarawa just 11 minutes into the game. In the second match of the day, Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United played out a 1-1 draw, with goals from Isah Kasim A in the 46th minute and Monday Pindan a minute earlier.

At the Umuahia centre, Akwa United defeated Abia Warriors 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. The goal fest was initiated by Imoh Asuquo after just 10 minutes, but Chijindu Godwin restored parity in 35 minutes. Chidom Obioma put Akwa back in front four minutes into the second half, only for David Ukpai Uchenna to level the scores again in the 58th minute. Dike Izuna sealed victory for Akwa United seven minutes before full time. In another match, Bayelsa United and Heartland shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.