
By Miriam Humbe
The National Youth Service Corps football team has emerged champions of the 2026 Nationwide League One (NLO) pre-season tournament held in Abuja.
Caroline Embu, the Director, Information and Public Relations disclosed this in a statement signed on Tuesday.
The team clinched the prestigious Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Mohammed trophy after defeating Access FC 4–1 in the final via a penalty shootout.
The annual tournament, organised by the Nationwide League One (NLO) for Division One teams in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), featured 20 teams competing as part of their preparations for the new football season.
Speaking while receiving the victorious team in his office, the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu applauded the team for making the Scheme proud through their outstanding performance.
The Director General congratulated and commended the players for their hard work, commitment and determination.
He urged them to sustain the achievement by redoubling their efforts, continuously 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,” the Director General said.
The Chairman of the NYSC National Football Team, Mr Usman Yahaya, expressed appreciation to the NYSC Director General for his unwavering support and encouragement, which he noted had contributed significantly to the team’s progress.
The team’s triumph further underscores NYSC’s commitment to promoting sporting excellence, nurturing talents and providing opportunities for young Nigerians to excel in football.

