The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) U-19 Youth League officially kicked off in style as Federal Capital Territory Football Association board member, Barrister Akintade Bocknor, performed the ceremonial kickoff at the Hovel Prime Stadium, Nyanya, Abuja.
Barr. Bocknor was on hand as the representative of the Chairman of the Nigeria Nationwide League, Silas Agara, who also serves as the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and is a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State. The event’s curtain-raiser was the star match between G-Medix FC and Olympic Hybrid FC.
In his address, Barr. Bocknor lauded the NLO leadership under Agara for its visionary and innovative approach, which, he said, has driven the league’s rapid transformation and nationwide appeal. He noted that the introduction of a structured U-19 league was a masterstroke in fostering grassroots football development and curbing age cheating in Nigerian football.
“I am deeply honoured to represent the Chairman at this auspicious event. The remarkable progress the league has achieved under his leadership is truly commendable. The quality of play we witnessed today is a testament to the innovative strategies that have been adopted, giving clubs the opportunity to nurture young talents and invest in the future of our game. This initiative is not only about catching them young but also ensuring integrity and fair play in our football,” he said.
The opening fixture was a one-sided contest, with G-Medix FC overpowering Olympic Hybrid FC in a commanding 5–0 victory. The result set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season, as the NLO U-19 Youth League gets underway simultaneously across the country.
The league, which serves as a platform for discovering and grooming the next generation of Nigerian football stars, is expected to produce fresh talents who can progress into professional ranks and, ultimately, the national teams. With the level of organisation, passion, and commitment shown at the kickoff, stakeholders believe this year’s edition could be the most competitive and impactful yet.
Also in attendance at the event were several notable football administrators and coaches, including the First Vice Chairman of the FCT FA, Alhaji Salihu Kolo; former national team coach, Abimbola Samuel; and the National U-15 coach, Patrick Bassey.
Others present were the FCT FA Chairman for AMAC, Ijeoma Chuks Emmanuel; Gwagwalada FA Chairman, Ibrahim Bako; and Kuje Area Council FA Chairman, Comrade Hussaini Abubakar.
The gathering also featured FCT FA Board Member and veteran coach, Ngozi Ezeh; FCT Coaches Association Chairman, Bartholomew David; Assistant Secretary of the FCT Coaches Association, Isa Manga; and Secretary of the Coaches Association in Gwagwalada, Olatunji Meshach.
The presence of such a distinguished line-up of football stakeholders underscored the significance of the NLO U-19 Youth League kickoff and the shared commitment to developing grassroots football across the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria at large