The youth teams of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will be arriving at their designated centres for the zonal qualifiers on January 30 for kick-off on February 1, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) management has announced.
The Chairman of the NPFL Youth League Committee, Pastor Emeka Inyama, disclosed that the start of the tournament will be preceded by the screening exercise on January 31 to ensure proper documentation of players.
The 20 NPFL clubs have been zoned on a regional basis for preliminary qualifying matches in five centres. The centres are Lafia for clubs in North Central; Kaduna will host clubs from the Northwest and Northeast; Ekiti is the centre for Southwest clubs; Enugu is host to Southeast clubs; and Port Harcourt for South South clubs.
According to the fixtures, matches at each centre will commence at 8 a.m. and conclude at noon.
Inyama said, "We want to get it right at building a stronger NPFL through setting up a proper Youth League culture, which is the future of elite leagues all over the world."
He commended the Chairman of the NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, and the board members for their foresight in setting up the Youth League and their support for his committee's work. "I can tell you that we are all set for the start of the Youth League season and are looking forward to a very healthy competition.
"It must be reiterated that participation is compulsory for all 20 NPFL clubs, as there would be serious consequences for any club that fails to be part of this," Inyama emphasized.
ADD A COMMENT :