Youth Development

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have received a major boost in their quest to qualify for the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON after the Confederation of African Football CAF announced the expansion of the tournament from 12 to 16 teams. This change increases Nigeria’s chances of securing a spot in the competition, set to take

Bayelsa State has garnered widespread praise for the Prosperity Cup, Nigeria’s largest grassroots football tournament, which has significantly impacted sports development and youth empowerment in the region. The seventh edition of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, popularly called the Prosperity Cup, features male, female, and para-soccer categories, with a record-breaking ₦50 million prize pool for

Chizaram Ezenwata, the son of former Gombe United star Ndubuisi Ezenwata, marked his FA Youth Cup debut with a stunning acrobatic volley as Chelsea U18s defeated Merstham 7-1 to advance to the fifth round. Chelsea’s Nigerian U18 coach, Hassan Sulaiman, fielded Ezenwata alongside Landon Emenalo, son of Michael Emenalo, and Olutayo Subuloye. Ezenwata, introduced in

Blessed Stars Football Academy concluded its four day scouting tournament in Jos, Plateau State, as part of an extensive 2025 talent search initiative. The tournament attracted over 16 teams and 268 players, showcasing the Academy’s dedication to identifying Nigeria’s next generation of football talent. Talented players from this event will join others scouted in Lafia

Mercy Akide Udoh, the first African woman to play professional football outside the continent and the 1999 CAF African Woman Player of the Year, hosted a scouting camp in Uyo on January 8, 2025. The initiative, titled “Play 2 Learn,” aims to identify and support talented young female footballers aged 15-20 by offering them opportunities

The inaugural Coach Aliyu Zubairu U13 Kiddies Tournament has progressed to its semi-final stage, scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025. The competition, which began with 20 teams and over 200 young players with free registration, celebrates grassroots football development and honours Aliyu Zubairu, Head Coach of the Nigeria Flying Eagles and Technical Adviser of Elkanemi