Maiden Independence Under-19 Football Cup 2025 Gets Official Kickoff Date 

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Preparations for the maiden edition of the Independence Under-19 Football Cup 2025 reached a major milestone at the weekend with the formal inauguration of its National Organising Committee by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The inauguration, held in Abuja, comes ahead of the tournament scheduled to run from September 25 to October 1, 2025, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Representing the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, the Federation’s Secretary-General, Mohammad Sanusi praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with the federation’s commitment to youth development and national unity.

“Immediately I forwarded their request to the President, he did not waste time to give approval,” Sanusi said. “This is because what they are trying to do is to bring youth together not just to play football but also to make sure that Independence celebrations compete favorably with what is done all over the world.

“Along that line, there is also every possibility that one or two talents may be discovered, and whatever is to be done to help us in discovering talent and uniting the country will not be resisted.”

The Organising Committee is chaired by Ambassador Sadiq Naseeb Danpullo, with Hon. Andrew Tyonongo as Secretary.

Other members include Sir Engr. Igwemma-Zion S. (Head of Protocol and Mobilization), Coach Handerson Peter (Head of Technical), Mr. Franklyn O. Imonah (Head of Media and Publicity), Comrade Kator Agera (Head of Transport and Logistics), Mr. Olu Olorunlogbon Daniel (Head of Finance, Evaluation and Budgeting), Hon. Oforah Emmanuel Ekenedilichukwu, and Ms. Philips Patience Ojochenemi.

In his welcome address, Hon. Tyonongo described the tournament as a historic step in Nigeria’s sports calendar. “This tournament, as endorsed by the NFF, NSC, and the Federal Government, is a national sporting program and part of the official activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary,” he said.

“It will not only showcase the best of our youth sporting talents but also promote unity, peace, patriotism, discipline, and national pride as it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for youth empowerment and development.”

 

Ambassador Danpullo, who also doubles as President of the Inter-Sports Promoters Association (ISPA), highlighted the inspiration behind the idea. He explained that football, as Nigeria’s most unifying sport, was chosen to give millions of young people a platform to celebrate independence meaningfully.

 

“Looking at the whole nation, no more than 10 million people actively celebrate Independence Anniversary activities. We came up with this idea to use football as a platform to bring Nigerian youth and elites together. It will provide job opportunities, self-reliance, and help address issues of insecurity, unemployment, and drug abuse by engaging our youths positively,” he stated.

 

The Independence Under-19 Football Cup 2025 will be contested in two zones, with Zone A matches holding at Nyanya Mopol Junction Pitch, and Zone B at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Abuja. The grand finale is scheduled for October 1 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium’s main bowl, coinciding with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration.

 

Organisers say the competition will serve as a national springboard for discovering raw talent, offering young players opportunities to catch the attention of professional scouts and national selectors. Beyond football, the event is also expected to promote patriotism and unity among Nigerian youths.

 

As Hon. Tyonongo summed up, “Our task is to organize a transparent, successful, and memorable tournament that will inspire hope and create opportunities for young Nigerian footballers. This tournament is their stage—rise and shine.”