Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) youth teams are scheduled to arrive at their designated centers for the zonal qualifiers, with the kick-off set for today, February 1.
Pastor Emeka Inyama, Chairman of the NPFL Youth League Committee, revealed that the tournament’s commencement would be preceded by a screening exercise on January 31 to ensure the proper documentation of players.
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The 20 NPFL Clubs have been geographically grouped for the preliminary qualifying matches in five centers. Lafia will host clubs from the North Central, Kaduna for clubs from the Northwest and Northeast, Ekiti for Southwest clubs, Enugu for Southeast clubs, and Port Harcourt for South-South clubs.
As indicated in the fixtures, matches at each center will kick off at 8 am and conclude at noon.
Emphasizing the importance of building a stronger NPFL through the establishment of a robust Youth League culture, Inyama stated, “we want to get it right at building a stronger NPFL through setting up a proper Youth League culture which is the future of elite leagues all over the world.”
He praised the foresight of NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and the Board members for establishing the Youth League and providing support to his committee’s efforts.
Inyama reiterated that participation in the Youth League is mandatory for all 20 NPFL Clubs, warning of serious consequences for any club that fails to be part of the competition.
NPFL clubs to face sanctions for youth league absence
Clubs that fail to participate in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Youth League, set to commence with zonal qualifiers from February 1-3 in designated centers, will face severe sanctions, according to NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye.
The announcement followed a meeting with Youth League Committee Chairman Pastor Emeka Inyama in Abuja.
Elegbeleye emphasized the mandatory nature of the Youth League for all 20 NPFL Clubs, warning of serious consequences for any club unable to field their Youth team.
He highlighted the Youth League’s importance as a developmental platform for grooming younger players who can eventually step into senior roles, reducing the need for external player acquisitions.
Stressing the financial benefits for clubs in cultivating talent internally, Elegbeleye noted that the Youth League helps maintain a club’s identity and values while mitigating the costs associated with purchasing players from other teams.
Pastor Emeka Inyama, part of the Youth League Committee, assured ongoing coordination with clubs to facilitate smooth documentation and the start of the zonal qualifiers. He also mentioned a venue change for the South-South qualifiers, relocated from Asaba to Port Harcourt.
The zonal qualifiers will take place in Kaduna (Northeast and Northwest), Enugu (Southeast), Ekiti (Southwest), and Lafia (North Central).
