The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially endorsed the 2025 edition of the AfrisportPro Youth League following a comprehensive review and confirmation that the organisers have met all required standards and conditions set by the federation.
In an endorsement letter dated October 9, 2025, addressed to the chief executive officer of AfrisportPro and signed by the Head of National Competitions and Inter-Clubs, Dr Ayo Abdulrahman, the NFF conveyed its official approval for the 2025 edition of the AfrisportPro Youth League.
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He said that the NFF’s approval reflects its recognition and support for the league’s objectives in promoting grassroots football development and providing young Nigerian talents with a professional platform to showcase their skills.
The letter read: “The Nigeria Football Federation, having carefully reviewed the proposal and confirmed that AfrisportPro has duly fulfilled all necessary requirements and conditions set forth by the federation, is pleased to convey its official endorsement for the AfrisportPro Youth League.
“This endorsement signifies the NFF’s recognition and support for the objectives of the league in promoting grassroots football development and providing young talents across Nigeria with the opportunity to showcase their skills in an organised and professionally managed competition.
“Please note that this endorsement is valid solely for the 2025 edition of the AfrisportPro Youth League. Any subsequent editions shall be subject to fresh evaluation and approval by the NFF.
“The NFF commends AfrisportPro for its initiative and commitment to the growth of youth football in Nigeria and wishes the organisers a successful and impactful 2025 season.”
Responding to the development, the chief executive officer and chairman of AfrisportPro Youth League, Chukwuebuka Ugwu, expressed appreciation to the NFF for its thorough and credible evaluation process, describing the endorsement as a significant milestone for Nigerian grassroots football.
Ugwu further noted that the challenges facing Nigerian football are largely systemic and require structural reforms, not quick fixes.
He said: “The NFF maintains one of the most rigorous and credible assessment processes for approving football competitions in the country, especially one of the size and magnitude of the AfrisportPro Youth League.
“The NFF remains one of the most efficient football administrative bodies in Africa. Some observers who have followed our league’s success questioned why we hadn’t yet received NFF endorsement; some even assumed we were being ignored or blocked. But that was never the case.
“The truth is, the NFF’s scrutiny made me proud to be Nigerian. They will not endorse just any league without ensuring it meets the highest national and international standards.”
He explained that AfrisportPro had to demonstrate its operational capacity, organisational integrity, and long-term sustainability before approval was granted.
He added, “We needed to prove that our concept works, that our systems are reliable, and that our commitment is sustainable. That process took time, and we are proud to have met every benchmark. The delay did not discourage us; it strengthened our faith in the Nigerian football system.
“The real transformation of Nigerian football will come through collaboration between public and private stakeholders. At AfrisportPro, we are proud to be part of that transformation, building from the grassroots with structure, data, and integrity.”
He reaffirmed AfrisportPro’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the NFF and other stakeholders to nurture young talents and drive sustainable football development nationwide.
