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.
