JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Nigerian youth teams had mixed luck in the 76th edition of the prestigious Viareggio Cupwith Mavlon FC and One Touch Football Academy advancing to the quarterfinals, while Ojodu City FC and Magic Stars FC were eliminated from the competition.
The world-renowned youth tournament continues to provide a stage for emerging talents, with Nigerian academies once again making their mark during the group stages and knockout rounds.
Read also: ‘We can win six golds!’ Nigeria’s boxing vice president talks Commonwealth Games medal hopes
Mavlon and One Touch reach the round of 16
Nigeria’s Mavlon FC put together an impressive campaign to advance to the knockout rounds. The team earned six points from three group stage matches, including a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Italian side Genoa CFC in their first match.
Another Nigerian representative, One Touch Football Academy from Abuja, also advanced after an impressive performance in the group stage.
The academy recorded notable victories, including a thrilling 3-2 victory over ASD Viareggio and a 2-1 win against Vis Pesaro to secure qualification for the knockout stage.
Both teams have reached the quarterfinals, keeping Nigeria’s hopes alive in the competition.
Ojodu, Magical Stars Out
Despite a bright start, Ojodu City FC could not maintain their momentum in the tournament.
The Lagos-based team began their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade thanks to goals from Sulaiman, Aaron and Abdullahi.
However, they later suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat against Croatian side HNK Rijeka, a result that ultimately ended their run in the tournament.
Magic Stars FC also failed to advance after struggling to achieve the necessary results against a strong European rival.
Nigerian presence in the tournament
Nigeria had a strong representation in this year’s tournament, continuing the country’s growing influence in youth football following Beyond Limits Academy’s historic triumph in 2024, when they became the first African team to win the trophy.
However, the participation of some Nigerian teams was disrupted earlier in the competition due to visa issues that prevented Enugu Rangers and two other teams from holding their first matches.
Quarterfinal schedule (at a glance)
Fiorentina U18 vs Potey Keahson U18
Genoa U18 vs Pistoiese U18
Olympique Thiessois U18 vs AS Police U18
One Touch Football Academy U18 vs Athletic Palermo U18
Mavlon FC U18 vs Rijeka U18
Sassuolo U18 vs. Westchester U18
Rappresentativa Serie D U18 vs UYSS New York U18
Spezia U18 vs Lucca U18
The quarterfinals are scheduled for March 19, the semifinals on March 21 and the final on March 23 in Italy.
With Mavlon FC and One Touch Football Academy still in competition, Nigerian fans will be hopeful that one of the teams can replicate the historic success achieved by Beyond Limits Academy in 2024.
