The thrilling final came just 24 hours after the club’s senior team lifted the 2024/25 President Federation Cup, completing a remarkable wee kend double for the Ilorin-based club.
The NYLC, which began on September 8, 2024, featured over 30 youth teams from across Nigeria, split into two groups and playing home-and-away fixtures at regional venues. The top performers advanced to the Super 8 Championship, which concluded in Lagos.
Led by Head Coach Abdulkadir Kehinde, the Kwara United U-19 side impressed throughout the tournament. Their Super 8 journey began with a commanding 2–0 win over Enyimba, courtesy of a quick-fire brace from Abayomi Ayodeji.
In recognition of their early success, former Kwara United senior coach Abdullahi Biffo donated ₦100,000 to motivate the squad after the Enyimba match.
The Harmony Boys’ dominance was reflected in the individual awards:
Most Valuable Player: Muhammed Abdullahi (Kwara United U-19)
Best Goalkeeper: Kolawole Sheriffdeen (Kwara United U-19)
Best Coach: Abdulkadir Kehinde (Kwara United U-19)
Star forward Muhammed Abdullahi, formerly of La Planet FC, was the standout performer of the tournament. He scored 9 goals in the regular season and added 2 goals and 2 assists during the Super 8, including a vital semifinal winner that propelled the team into the final.
His exceptional performance earned him the Most Valuable Player award, further underlining his key role in the team’s success.
The ₦40 million prize is expected to significantly bolster Kwara United’s youth development programme and reflects the club’s growing stature in both senior and youth football landscapes.
Organized under a national youth development strategy, the NYLC aims to provide a professional platform for players aged 16–19, and plans are underway to expand the competition to include regional and Namor Championships.
With back-to-back victories across two competitions, Kwara United have firmly established themselves as a force in Nigerian football, one driven by vision, structure, and talent development.
ADD A COMMENT :