Nduka Ugbade Hails NPFL Youth League

Nigeria’s captain at the FIFA Under-16 World Cup in China, Nduka Ugbade, has heaped praises on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the birth of the NPFL Youth League.

He was at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City venue of the playoffs to watch Plateau United and Rivers United in the second match on Monday, February 26th.

The tie finished goalless with midfielder Paul Maggit of Plateau United emerging as the Player of the Match.

Ugbade said the competition is ideal for developing the budding talents of Nigerian soccer.

“There is nothing as good as developing the youths through the NPFL U17 Youth League. This must continue. The issue is not once, it must be a thing that is continuous like FIFA has done for its U17 World Cup by making it an annual event.”

The national cadet coach added that talent is no longer enough but must be developed for it to be profitable.

Earlier in the day, Katsina United defeated Rangers 1-0 with United’s goalkeeper Yusuf Umar saving a penalty kick, in the 58th minute, to the delight of the team’s supporters at the arena. Umar Muhammadu got the only goal on 40 minutes.

Remo Stars had a rest day but will tackle Katsina United today while Rangers take on Plateau United, on the same day.