Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs are placing renewed emphasis on youth development as they prepare for the 2025/26 campaign. The establishment of a dedicated NPFL Youth League is central to this shift, aimed at building a sustainable talent pipeline and ensuring young players transition smoothly into senior squads.
NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye revealed that the Youth League will enable clubs to form feeder teams and benefit from long-term player development strategies. Selected players will receive international exposure through the NPFL All-Star team’s planned tour of Spain—designed to offer elite training and competition.
Already, the youth initiative is bearing fruit. Several standout participants have moved into senior teams, with some even earning national age-group call-ups. It’s early, but dividends are clear.
Meanwhile, the 2025/26 NPFL season is set to kick off on 22 August with twenty teams competing including newly promoted sides such as Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists, Barau FC, and Kun Khalifat.
Editorial
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We believe this renewed focus on youth development marks a hopeful turning point in Nigerian football. For too long, the NPFL has leaned on short-term solutions—loan signings or fleeting transfers while neglecting the importance of growing homegrown talent.
Now, with the launch of the Youth League, clubs are aligning their long-term interests with the league’s sustainability. Encouraging feeder systems, nurturing young footballers, and offering international exposure are the kinds of strategies that change futures not just of players, but of the league itself.
What gives us particular confidence is tangible progress. When youth talents begin to graduate seamlessly to senior ranks or even earn national team consideration it’s proof that the system is working and worth investing in.
Let’s hold this momentum. Youth development should not be an afterthought it must be foundational. Clubs that embrace it will not only build winning teams but champion a legacy. That is the beginning of real transformation.
Did You Know?
- The 2025–26 NPFL season is scheduled to begin on 22 August and includes 20 clubs such as the newly promoted Barau FC, Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists, and the privately owned Kun Khalifat.
- Barau FC, founded by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, earned promotion to the NPFL in 2025—with a growing focus on reducing youth unemployment through football.
- In the first NPFL Youth League, players like Chinedu Nwosu (‘Nedu’) and others used the platform to break into senior teams and earn international recognition.
- The NPFL All-Star youth team will tour Spain, offering Nigeria’s rising stars exposure to high-standard training and competition.
- Traditionally, private clubs in the NPFL including Remo Stars and Barau FC are starting to challenge the dominance of government-owned teams.
