NYSC FC Crowned Champions of 2026 NLO Pre-Season Tournament
Oru Leonard
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) football team has emerged winners of the 2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) pre-season tournament after overcoming 19 other teams to claim the championship title in Abuja.
The NYSC side secured the Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Mohammed Trophy following a 4–1 victory over Access FC in a penalty shootout after the final encounter.
The competition, organised annually by the Nationwide League One for Division One clubs in the Federal Capital Territory, featured 20 participating teams preparing for the forthcoming football season.
Receiving the victorious players in his office, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, praised the team for their impressive outing, describing their achievement as a source of pride to the Scheme.
He congratulated the players on their determination, commitment and collective effort, urging them to build on the success through improved performance, discipline and dedication.
Nafiu assured the team of the Scheme’s continued support towards developing their footballing abilities, stressing that football offers viable professional opportunities.
“We will help develop your skills better. Football is a profession, and NYSC is proud of you,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the NYSC National Football Team, Mr Usman Yahaya, expressed gratitude to the Director-General for his consistent support and encouragement, which he said had played an important role in the team’s development and success.
The victory represents another milestone in the NYSC’s efforts to encourage sporting activities, discover and nurture young talents, and create platforms for Nigerian youths to develop their potential through football.
Caroline Embu
Director, Information and Public Relations
