NYFDL Expands Grassroots Football League

NYFDL Expands Grassroots Football League Across Nine Nigerian States

The Nigerian Youth Football Development League (NYFDL) is taking bold steps to transform youth football across the country with the launch of its structured, inclusive league season. Starting this October, NYFDL will operate across nine key states namely Abuja (FCT), Bayelsa, Edo, Lagos, Rivers, Plateau, Kano, Oyo, and Osun,  providing competitive opportunities for thousands of aspiring young players.

The league is designed to run from October to May each season, with boys and girls competing across five age categories: U11, U13, U15, U17, and U19. By providing a clearly structured pathway, NYFDL helps clubs, schools, and academies develop young talent through high-quality competition and safe, regulated football environments.

“We are creating more than a football league — we are building a national development system,” said Leon Osahon, CEO of NYFDL. “It’s about player growth, community impact, and long-term transformation in the Nigerian football landscape.”

A League With Proven Roots

Though newly branded as NYFDL, the league is built on a tested foundation. In 2019, the team behind NYFDL launched the Fustar Youth League in Abuja — a pilot competition that demonstrated the impact of structured youth football within schools. That early model has now evolved into a national platform, incorporating safeguarding, mentorship, and female participation at its core.

What Sets NYFDL Apart?

• ⚽ Structured Home-and-Away Fixtures

• 🎓 School & Academy Participation

• 👦🏽👧🏽 Boys and Girls Divisions

• 🛡️ Strict Safeguarding & Child Protection Policies

• 🌍 Focus on Character, Leadership & Career Readiness

• 🎖️ Top Teams Qualify for National Playoffs

• 🛫 Select Teams to Tour Europe Annually

NYFDL not only provides competitive football but also incorporates mentoring, leadership training, and access to life-skills development programmes in partnership with organisations like LEAP Africa and AFRIgrowth Foundation.

Looking Ahead

With over 250 matches expected per division and a focus on safe, structured competition, NYFDL is quickly becoming the most ambitious grassroots football league in Nigeria. Whether you’re a coach, school director, parent, or a young player, there’s a place for you in this growing movement.

Follow NYFDL on social media and stay tuned for live match updates, player features, and highlights as the season kicks off this October.

How to Get Involved

Participation is open to:

• Football academies

• Secondary schools

• Private clubs affiliated with their State FA or the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF)

📄 Interested institutions can complete the Expression of Interest Form on the NYFDL website.