Clubs Embrace Youth Empowerment Ahead of 2025/26 NPFL Season
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
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.
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
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.