Sports

NLO 2023 Season Gets New Kick-Off Date

Published

2 years ago

April 20, 2023

Joel Ajayi
The much-awaited 2023 season of the Nationwide League One (NLO) will officially kick off on Wednesday May 3rd, according to a directive from the Secretariat.

Though it has suffered a second shift in the proposed kickoff date, in keeping with its commitments made to clubs, the Secretariat of the nation’s third-tier domestic league moved forward by a week the commencement of the new season in the best interest of all parties.

The season schedule returns to the Stadium League Format, after it was adopted and vetoed in February by the NLO Congress held virtually, as it considered the security, economic and political challenges in the country.

According to the NLO Media Channel, an official statement on Thursday gave reasons for a shift in date.

“All is still in top gear to commence the season without hitches in terms of the logistics we have put in place for the Stadium League Format,” said the NLO’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunnowo.

“On the other hand, a few clubs have slowed our activities as they were yet to complete their player’s registration processes.

“Players registration by all the clubs before the kickoff of the season, is imperative to the NLO, as it’s never our norm to start the season with a fire brigade approach.

“We also considered the knockout football competition, Federation Cup which is at the Round of 32 stages. A few NLO teams are still in the race for the trophy, so it won’t be fair if the Secretariat doesn’t consider such teams when releasing the fixtures for the season.

“Having moved the commencement date by a week, we are certain that the affected clubs will use this window to finalize their player’s registration for the season,” Ogunnowo stressed.

Meanwhile, the NLO will host a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday April 26, where it will make a massive announcement as regards its new sponsors

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Sports

Mobolaji Johnson Arena Buzzes with Excitement as N-Youth League Super 8 Tips Off

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2025

The Gleamer

…N40million for Grabs

By Joel Ajayi

The historic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos is set to witness top-tier youth football action as the Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC) Super 8 Tournament kicks off on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The highly anticipated competition will open with a thrilling fixture between Enyimba FC U-19 of Aba and Kwara United U-19, followed by a clash between Plateau United U-19 and Kano Pillars U-19 in the second match of Day 1.

Other teams vying for glory in the Super 8 are Mailantarki FC of Abuja, Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Atlantic Business FC of Lagos, and Shuffle Select FC, also of Lagos.

This prestigious youth tournament boasts a total prize pool of ₦40 million. The champion will walk away with ₦10 million, the runner-up will earn ₦8 million, while the remaining teams will also receive financial rewards based on their final standings.

The NYLC, which began its inaugural season in April 2024, featured 23 teams split across two regional conferences. From the Northern Conference, Plateau United, Kano Pillars, Kwara United, and Mailantarki FC secured their spots in the Super 8, while Enyimba, Sunshine Stars, Atlantic Business, and Shuffle Select qualified from the Southern Conference.

During a press conference and draw ceremony ahead of the competition on Tuesday in Abuja NYLC President Robinson Adakosa announced that the Super 8 will adopt a round-robin format, featuring four matches daily at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Adakosa praised the dedication of all involved, noting that despite the challenges encountered during the season, the league has succeeded in identifying and nurturing exceptional young talents.

“This season has not only revealed outstanding players but has also drawn the attention of European scouts,” he stated, adding that the league remains committed to creating pathways for youth development in football.

He expressed gratitude to the participating clubs, board members, and stakeholders, including the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for their unwavering support.

Adakosa also confirmed that all logistics for the tournament have been fully arranged to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for players and fans alike, with matches scheduled from June 23 to June 30.

In a major boost to the tournament’s profile, Adakosa revealed that FC Barcelona’s Head of Recruitment, Villa Gorriz, will be attending, alongside scouts from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands—underscoring the growing international interest in Nigeria’s grassroots football talent.

With excitement building, the NYLC Super 8 promises a week of explosive action, skillful displays, and future stars in the making.

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