NPFL U-19 Youth League: 2024/25 Zonal Groupings Revealed, Competition Kicks Off August 4
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially zoned the 2024–25 U-19 Youth League into three regions, with the competition set to take place across Ikenne, Umuahia, and Kano in a bid to unearth the next generation of footballing talent.
The youth tournament, which kicks off on Monday, August 4, and runs until Friday, August 16, will serve as a platform for clubs to showcase their best teenage prospects and compete for a place in the top-six national finals.
⚽ Zonal Breakdown:
📍 Ikenne Zone (August 4–9) – Remo Stars Stadium
Shooting Stars
Ikorodu City
Sunshine Stars
Kwara United
Bendel Insurance
This zone promises a Southwest derby feel, with historically fierce rivalries and emerging stars set to clash in Ikenne.
📍 Kano Zone (August 10–16) – Sani Abacha Stadium
Kano Pillars (hosts)
El-Kanemi Warriors
Katsina United
Nasarawa United
Niger Tornadoes
Plateau United
The Northern zone boasts powerhouse names, with Kano Pillars expected to draw local support as they host this thrilling group.
📍 Umuahia Zone – Dates Unconfirmed
Abia Warriors (hosts)
Akwa United
Enyimba
Rangers
Heartland
Bayelsa United
Rivers United
Lobi Stars
Arguably the most competitive zone, with eight clubs featuring in this intense Southeast/South-South cluster, including Enyimba and Rangers, who have a storied rivalry even at senior level.
🏆 Road to the Top-Six Finals
The top two teams from each zone will advance to the national final playoff, where the best U-19 side for the 2024–25 NPFL season will be crowned. The final dates and venue for the top-six playoff are expected to be announced after the zonal qualifiers conclude.
💬 Opinion – A Future-Focused Format
This zoned competition is a strategic step by the NPFL in decentralizing youth football and bringing grassroots talent development closer to club structures across Nigeria. With zonal matches being hosted in local strongholds, it also promises better fan turnout, regional engagement, and healthy competition.
Fans and scouts alike will be watching closely — today’s U-19 star might just be tomorrow’s NPFL MVP or Super Eagles call-up.
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