Ex-Super Eagles Stars Grace 2025 National Youth League Draw as Enyimba Faces Kwara United in Super 8

Posted : 18 June 2025

It was a reunion of former Super Eagles players as they gathered in Abuja for the 2025 National Youth U-18 League draw, which was held in Lagos. Among those present were Super Eagles legends and UEFA Champions League winner with Ajax, Tijani Babangida, alongside former goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro. Their presence added prestige to the event, which set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling youth football competition.

The 2025 Nigeria Youth League (N-YLC) Super 8 tournament will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The competition kicks off on Monday with an opening fixture between Enyimba FC U-19 of Aba and Kwara United U-19, followed by Plateau United U-19 taking on Kano Pillars U-19. The top teams from both the Northern and Southern Conferences are set to compete in a round-robin format.

From the Northern Conference, Kano Pillars, Plateau United, Kwara United, and Mailantarki FC have qualified, while Shuffle Select, Enyimba, Sunshine Stars of Akure, and Atlanta Business FC will represent the Southern Conference. The N-YLC, which began its first season in April 2024, featured 23 teams split into two regional conferences, with the top four from each advancing to the Super 8.

Speaking at the draw held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, N-YLC President Robinson Adakosa praised the dedication of players, clubs, and organizers, noting that despite some challenges, the league successfully nurtured several exceptional young talents. He emphasized that the tournament not only revealed promising players but also attracted the attention of European scouts, making it a significant milestone for grassroots football in Nigeria.

Adakosa also confirmed that all logistical preparations have been completed to ensure a smooth and memorable tournament, scheduled to run from June 23 to 30. In a major development, he announced that FC Barcelona’s Head of Recruitment, Villa Gorriz, along with other scouts from the UK and the Netherlands, will be attending, reflecting growing international interest in Nigeria’s youth football system.

Tijani Babangida and Emmanuel Babayaro, who conducted the draw, described the Super 8 as a powerful platform for youth development. They praised the initiative for providing young players aged 16 to 19 with the exposure and experience needed to advance in their careers. The competition offers a total prize pool of ₦40 million, with ₦10 million going to the champions, ₦8 million to the runners-up, ₦6 million to the third-placed team, and additional financial rewards to all participating clubs based on their final standings.

Ex-Super Eagles Stars Grace 2025 National Youth League Draw as Enyimba Faces Kwara United in Super 8

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