By Andrew Abah
The President of the Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC), Robinson Adakosa, has officially unveiled plans for the NYLC Super 8 Championship kicking off June 23 to 29 in Lagos .
Unveiling the plans before football stakeholders in Abuja, Adakosa expressed profound gratitude to the National Sports Commission (NSC) led by the Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), and the FCT Football Association for their unwavering support and endorsement.
“Our cardinal objective is to provide world-class football exposure for our youths aged 16 to 19. This platform is more than a tournament—it’s a developmental pipeline to nurture the next generation of football talent in Nigeria,” Adakosa stated.
The inaugural NYLC season, which kicked off in April 2024 with 23 teams, was split into two regional conferences—Northern and Southern. Despite early logistical challenges, Adakosa praised the resilience of the league’s teams and players, highlighting moments of “breathtaking football artistry” and showcasing rising talent across the country.
At the conclusion of the regular season, eight standout teams emerged to contest in the upcoming Super 8 Championship, scheduled to take place at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos from June 23 to June 30, 2025.
Super 8 Qualifiers:
• Northern Conference: Kano Pillars FC, Plateau United FC, Kwara United, Mailantarki FC (Abuja)
• Southern Conference: Enyimba FC (Aba), Sunshine Stars FC (Akure), Atlantic Business FC (Lagos), Shuffle Select FC (Lagos)
The tournament will adopt a round-robin format with four matches daily, ensuring intense competition and maximum scouting exposure.
In a significant boost for player development, Adakosa revealed that top international scouts, including FC Barcelona’s Head of Recruitment, Villa Gorriz, have confirmed attendance, alongside other representatives from the UK and the Netherlands. The matches will be streamed live to a global audience, giving players an unprecedented platform to launch their careers.
The championship will feature a total prize pool of ₦40 million, distributed as follows:
• Winner: ₦10 million
• Runners-up: ₦8 million
• Third Place: ₦6 million
• Fourth Place: ₦4 million
• Fifth to Eighth Place: ₦3 million each
“All logistics are in place, including comprehensive security and top-tier officiating,” Adakosa assured, emphasizing the professionalism and integrity expected throughout the tournament.
He concluded by calling on the media to support and amplify the NYLC’s vision. “We are counting on your platforms to tell the NYLC story—of hope, talent, and opportunity for Nigerian youth,” he said.
The press conference closed with the official draw for the Super 8 fixtures, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark event in Nigerian youth football.