Lagos, Nigeria – June 29, 2025
Kwara United U19 have etched their name in history by emerging champions of the maiden edition of the Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC) after a thrilling 3–2 victory over Atlantic Business FC in the final of the 2024/2025 NYLC National Super8 Championship, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
This remarkable triumph comes just 24 hours after the Kwara United senior team claimed the 2024/25 President Federation Cup, capping off a historic weekend for the Ilorin-based club.
The NYLC, which kicked off on September 8, 2024, featured over 30 youth teams from across the country, divided into Group A and Group B, and played on a home-and-away basis in various venues nationwide. The top teams progressed to the Super 8 Championship, culminating in the final showdown in Lagos.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Abdulkadir Kehinde, the Kwara United U19 side showed consistency and class throughout the tournament. The team opened their Super 8 campaign with a commanding 2–0 victory over Enyimba, powered by a brace from Abayomi Ayodeji in the opening 10 minutes of the game.
In recognition of their strong performance, former Kwara United senior team coach, Abdullahi Biffo, donated ₦100,000 to motivate the boys after the Enyimba win.
Kwara United’s triumph was further highlighted by a string of individual awards:
- Most Valuable Player: Muhammed Abdullahi (Kwara United U19)
- Best Goalkeeper: Kolawole Sheriffdeen (Kwara United U19)
- Best Coach: Abdulkadri Jimoh (Kwara United)
Star forward Muhammed Abdullahi, a former La Planet FC player, was instrumental to his team’s success, scoring 9 goals in the regular season and contributing 2 goals and 2 assists during the Super 8. His decisive goal in the semifinal was vital in securing a place in the final, and his overall brilliance earned him the MVP award for the entire competition.
The ₦40 million prize is a significant boost to Kwara United’s youth development programme and a clear reflection of the club’s rising dominance in Nigerian football, both at senior and youth levels.
Organized as part of a broader youth development initiative, the NYLC aims to provide a world-class football experience for players between the ages of 16 and 19. With plans already in motion for a regional championship and Namor Championship, the future of youth football in Nigeria is poised for even greater heights.
Kwara United U19 didn’t just win a trophy—they made a powerful statement. The future of Nigerian football wears green and white… and today, it celebrates in Ilorin.
