Sports

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

Published

1 year ago

June 17, 2025

…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.

Share on Facebook

Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

4 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

Share on Facebook