Double Honour: Kwara United U-19 Win Inaugural NYLC to Cap Off Historic Weekend

Posted : 30 June 2025

Kwara United U-19 have written their name in the annals of Nigerian football after defeating Atlantic Business FC 3–2 to win the inaugural Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC) at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

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.

Double Honour: Kwara United U-19 Win Inaugural NYLC to Cap Off Historic Weekend

Kwara United U-19 have written their name in the annals of Nigerian football after defeating Atlantic Business FC 3–2 to win the inaugural Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC) at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

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