Although the much eagerly anticipated clash between their seniors billed for Sunday is postponed due to continental engagement, Rivers United and Remo Stars junior teams will have the honours of opening the NPFL (Under 17) Youth League finals in Benin City on Friday.
The top five teams across five zones converge on the ancient city of Benin from this Friday to slug it out as we look to crown the champions of the NPFL at the Under 17 level, for the first time ever.
All 20 top division sides in Nigeria were divided into five zones for the zonal playoffs of this Under 17 Youth League with centres situated at Port Harcourt, Enugu, Ado-Ekiti, Lafia and Kaduna.
The top teams in each zone – Rivers United, Rangers International, Remo Stars, Plateau United and Katsina United respectively now have the opportunity to stake the claim for the kings at this level.
Sunday’s game between Rivers United and Remo Stars is scheduled for the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium at 2pm and will be followed by the game between Katsina United and Plateau United.
A number of teenage stars who caught the eyes at the zonal playoffs stage will attract the interest of foreign scouts and the technical crew of their senior teams as they seek for the next big stars to emerge from this level.
Youngsters to watch:
Paul Jr Paul (Rivers United)
He is the captain of Rivers United and had a significant impact in the team’s fine run at the zonal tournament. He scored two goals in the zonal tournament, against Akwa United and Bayelsa United. The defender is a leader from the back and will be an important player for the team in Benin.
Chimaobi Igwilo (Rangers International)
Chimaobi Igwilo, the captain of his side emerged as the Most Valuable Player in the South East zonal playoffs. He scored all goals for Rangers; four of them which included a hat-trick against Enyimba FC.
Abass Olasunkanmi (Remo Stars)
Sleek midfielder with accurate passes and great vision. Provided two crucial assists and won the Man of-the Match award against Sunshine Stars.
Daniel Ariehri (Remo Stars)
Came on as a substitute to score two goals against 3SC. Hardworking and difficult to track.
Emmanuel Adeboyejo (Remo Stars)
Energetic striker with three goals. His club’s equalizing goal against Sporting was remarkable.
Armaya’u Yusha’u (Katsina United)
The creative force and leader of Katsina United. Yusha’u was the brain behind his team’s overwhelming performance in Kaduna and he is already a talk among scouts in Africa and Europe.
