Sports

President Reaffirms NYLC as Gateway to Greatness for Nigerian Youth During Super 8 Draw In Abuja

Published

5 months ago

May 19, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The draw ceremony for the Playoff and Super 8 stages of the 2026 N-Youth League Cup (NYLC) National Championship has been officially concluded, with matches set to take place across various centres in the country.

The event, held on Tuesday in Abuja, renewed calls for sustained investment in youth football development as stakeholders emphasized the importance of grassroots football in shaping the future of Nigerian sports.

Speaking during the ceremony, NYLC President Robinson Adakosa stated that the competition goes beyond winning trophies, stressing that it serves as a platform for discovering and nurturing young football talents.

According to him, the Super 8 offers players the opportunity to attract the attention of scouts, agents, clubs, and international football stakeholders, thereby opening doors to professional careers and long-term success.

“The Super 8 is not only about winning trophies. It is about creating opportunities for our players to be seen by scouts, agents, clubs, and international football stakeholders. It is about building careers and giving young Nigerians a pathway to greatness through football,” he said.

Adakosa commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for its consistent support toward grassroots football and player development, describing the federation’s contribution as critical to the growth of the game in Nigeria.

He congratulated the teams that have already secured qualification for the Super 8 stage and noted that four additional teams will emerge from the playoff matches. He also praised all participating clubs for their discipline, hard work, and technical quality throughout the season.

The NYLC President urged teams to maintain integrity, respect the rules of the game, and demonstrate true sportsmanship as the competition intensifies.

He further appreciated sponsors, partners, technical officials, and members of the media for their contributions to the successful organisation of the championship.

The playoff matches are scheduled to commence on May 23, 2026, while the Super 8 finals will hold on May 31, 2026, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

Playoff Fixtures

Kano Pillars U19 vs Right 2 Win
Mailanteriki vs Sunshine U19
Sporting Supreme U19 vs House of Prayer
Kwara FA vs Pepperest Academy

The four teams that qualify from the playoffs will join the already qualified clubs in the Super 8 stage.

Super 8 Fixtures

Group A

Match Day 1

Winner of Kwara FA vs Pepperest Academy vs Winner of Sporting Supreme U19 vs House of Prayer
Supreme Kings vs Plateau United U19

Match Day 2

Plateau United U19 vs Winner of Mailanteriki vs Sunshine U19
Supreme Kings vs Winner of Sporting Supreme U19 vs House of Prayer

Group B

Match Day 1

Winner of Mailanteriki vs Sunshine U19 vs Winner of Kano Pillars U19 vs Right 2 Win
Darazo FC vs Grassrunner FC

Match Day 2

Grassrunner FC vs Winner of Mailanteriki vs Sunshine U19
Darazo FC vs Winner of Kano Pillars U19 vs Right 2 Win

Each team will play three matches during the group stage, while match schedules and kick-off times will be determined by the organisers.

The winners of both groups will advance to the final scheduled for May 31, 2026, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

23 hours ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.

Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.

The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Final Score

Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)

The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Key Performers

Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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