Set to participate in the debut edition of the Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC) are not fewer than 30 youth teams.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Robinson Adakosa, the president of NYLC, revealed this information.
Adakosa acknowledged the backing of the Sports Ministry, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the Nigeria Premier Football League for the league.
He also mentioned that the Nigeria National League, FCT Football Association, and other key stakeholders have given their endorsement for the tournament.
Describing it as a youth development initiative, Adakosa stated, “…our mission is to provide a high-quality football experience and competition for teenagers and young adults aged between 16 and 19.”
Founded in 2023, NYLC is poised to become the fastest-growing Youth League in Africa, with aspirations to reach over 1,000,000 members across all states in Nigeria and the FCT.
Among its core objectives are facilitating young individuals to derive benefits from engaging in team sports within a secure and organized setting.
Ayo Abdulrahman, the Chief Operating Officer of NNL, representing the NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, advised players to uphold the integrity of the sport.
Emphasizing the importance of discipline for achieving their objectives, Abdulrahman stressed, “…endorsing this league is part of a developmental program that will contribute to the growth of football in Nigeria.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the teams have been grouped into A and B as follows:
Group A:
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
Crystal Palace of Kebbi
Group B:
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 Stas 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
Eagles Stars of Lagos
Matches for the league cup will be played on a home and away basis every Tuesday at 4 pm at various venues nationwide, as reported by NAN.
A regional championship will take place, with all winners competing in the two conferences.
The top two teams from each conference will advance to the Namor Championship.
The NYLC season is scheduled to run from September 8, 2024, to April 20, 2025.
(NAN)