Nafiu commended the players for their hard work, commitment and determination, saying their impressive performance had brought honour to the Scheme
By Moses Okorie
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) football team has emerged champions of the 2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) pre-season tournament after defeating 19 other teams in Abuja.
The team secured the Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Mohammed Trophy following a 4-1 victory over Access FC in the final, decided through a penalty shootout.
The release signed by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations of NYSC, the tournament, organised by the Nationwide League One for Division One teams in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), featured 20 teams preparing for the new football season.
The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, congratulated the victorious players when he received the team in his office.
Nafiu commended the players for their hard work, commitment and determination, saying their impressive performance had brought honour to the Scheme.
He urged them to sustain the achievement by improving their skills and maintaining discipline, focus and dedication.
“We will help develop your skills better. Football is a profession, and NYSC is proud of you,” he said.
The Director-General also assured the players of the Scheme’s continued support towards their professional development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NYSC National Football Team, Mr Usman Yahaya, expressed appreciation to Nafiu for his consistent support and encouragement, which he said had contributed significantly to the team’s progress.
The victory, according to the NYSC, underscores the Scheme’s commitment to promoting sporting excellence, nurturing young talents and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths to excel in football.