Nigerian Football
NFF/ZENITH U13 & U15 TOURNEY: SOUTH WEST, SOUTH SOUTH EMERGE CHAMPIONS
South West U13 Boys and South South U15 Boys have emerged champions in this year’s edition of Future Eagles U13 and U15 tournaments organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) sponsored by Zenith International Bank.
The three-day youth football event which was held at the Godswill
Akpabio Stadium was concluded on Sunday night. The NFF Youth Football Committee
headed by the NFF 1st Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi introduced
a new format for the two categories, with the positive implication that the
League format ensured all the zones played more games compared to the previous
editions.
The six geo-political zones produced two teams (U13 and U15) respectively for the championship to make it 12 teams that participated in the National finals after the Zonal events was held few months ago. Over 200 youth players featured in the tournaments.
“We found out that it breeds more competitiveness among the teams in
every match and it helps the players to play more matches. For the first time
all matches were played in one venue to implement this new format,” Akinwunmi
told thenff.com.
“The objective is not only to ultimately identify and nurture the best Nigerian young players in the U13 and U15 categories each year, but also to encourage Boys Clubs and Academies to register with their respective State FAs in order to enable their players participate in this competition, to address the alleged scourge of age cheating, to expose the children to other cultures and teach them new social skills.
“We will not rest on our oars but instead continue to improve the program. We have this year invited the National U17 chief coach Manu Garba to witness the tournament, make his observations and give advice. We intend to include a female version of the program, and have the trainers program and certification for our youth coaches which will take place prior to the next edition.
“I am impressed the tournament is getting more competitive, the adults are gaining more understanding about youth tournaments, there is more technical input at the U15 and the U13 levels and we have talented boys who can express themselves brilliantly in match situation.
“I was particularly impressed with the officiating by the young referees. I have a lot of hope for the future of football in Nigeria, and I want to appreciate the Akwa Ibom FA and the State Government for their efforts.”
South West U13 Boys spanked North
Central U13 Boys 5-0 in the final game to finish top of the U13 event group
with 15 points from five games, three points ahead of second-placed South South
who finished second with 12 points. Light Chijioke’s hat-trick and two goals
from Francis Ajibola and Oyedeji Segun sealed the title for the South West
Boys.
The U15 final produced a photo-finish between South East U15 Boys and South South U15 Boys in the final game.
Before the final game South East were top of the table with 12 points while South South had 10 points and placed second.
First half of the encounter was cagey and ended goalless, but two quick second half goals from Isaac Ekom and Joseph Atie propelled the South South Boys to a 2-0 win in the final game, as they emerged champions in the U15 event with one point ahead of South East.
Officials of Zenith Bank led by Assistant General Manager and Akwa Ibom Zonal Head, Asuquo Ita were impressed by the performance of the boys as the two final matches recorded seven goals.
Ita, who took the official kickoff and was honoured to meet with the players of the four teams, presented the medals and trophy to the winners and applauded the idea behind the Future Eagles project while commending the Federation.
“We are impressed with the level of football development at this grassroots stage and the abundant of work the NFF has put into organizing this amazing programs for youth football.
“I am a lover of football and I do follow all Nigeria national teams, we are happy to associate with football at this grassroots level and we’ll continue to work with the NFFto improve the project yearly.
“Obviously, there are talents in this country and it’s important we create an environment for competition and exposure for the kids to explore,” Ita told thenff.com.
NFF Executive Member and Akwa Ibom FA Chairman, Emmanuel Ibah; NFF Executive Member and Enugu State FA Chairman, Chidi Ofo Okenwa; NFF Executive Member and Ogun State FA Chairman, Ganiyu Majekodunmi and; Golden Eaglets head coach, Manu Garba witnessed this year’s edition in Uyo.
U15 Category – Day 1 Results
North West 1-3 South East
South South 3-0 North Central
North East 2-4 South West
North Central 0-2 North West
South East 2-1 South West
South South 1-0 North East
South West 1-2 North West
North Central 3-4 South East
U13 Category – Day 1 Results
North East 0-0 South East
North Central 0-3 South South
South East 0-2 South West
North East 1-0 North West
South East 5-1 North Central
South South 5-0 North West
South West 2-0 North East
North West 1-1 North Central
South West 1-0 South South
U15 Category – Day 2 Results
South South 2-1 North West
North Central 0-3 North East
South West 1-1 South South
North East 0-2 South East
North Central 0-8 South West
North East 0-2 South East
North West 3-1 North East
South East 0-2 South South
U13 Category – Day 2 Results
South South 2-0 South East
South West 3-0 North West
North Central 0-2 North East
North West 0-7 South East
North East 0-2 South South North Central 0-5 South West
Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
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Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has queried Warri Wolves following reports of the suspension of their head coach, Aluma Napoleon, faulting the club’s failure to comply with established procedures for contracting and registering technical officials.
In a letter titled “Notarization and Registration of Contracts” and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body directed the Delta-based club to regularize all contractual documentation with its technical and management staff in line with NPFL regulations.
The NPFL’s letter stated:
“Information reaching us from the media space suggests that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach, Mr. Aluma Napoleon, with immediate effect.”
Citing Sections B, Articles 6 and 11 of the NPFL 2025/26 Framework and Rules, the league reminded Warri Wolves that all clubs are required to submit notarized contracts of their officials for registration and record purposes.
“You are, however, in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested, within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, to submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma, to the NPFL Secretariat,” the letter warned.
The NPFL further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including restricting Warri Wolves’ technical crew from accessing the bench in subsequent league matches.
“Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,” the league stated.
In a related statement to NPFL Media, COO Davidson Owumi stressed that the Warri Wolves case was not isolated, adding that all clubs yet to register the contracts of their technical officials must do so without delay.
“I must admonish all coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times,” Owumi emphasized.
The NPFL has been tightening administrative controls in recent seasons to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to contractual obligations across all participating clubs.
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