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 the competition held in Abuja.

The NYSC side secured the Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Mohammed Trophy following a 4–1 victory over Access FC in a penalty shootout in the final.

The annual tournament, organised by Nationwide League One for Division One teams in the Federal Capital Territory, featured 20 clubs preparing for the new football season.

Receiving the victorious players in his office, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, congratulated the team for bringing honour to the Scheme through their impressive performance.

Nafiu commended the players for their hard work, commitment and determination, urging them to build on their success 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,”
the Director-General said.

He assured the players of the Scheme’s continued support towards their development and encouraged them to remain committed to their football careers.

Earlier, Chairman of the NYSC National Football Team, Usman Yahaya, expressed appreciation to the Director-General for his support and encouragement, which he said had contributed significantly to the team’s progress.

The victory highlights NYSC’s growing involvement in grassroots sports development and its efforts to provide young Nigerians with opportunities to develop their talents and pursue professional football careers.

The statement was signed by Caroline Embu, Director of Information and Public Relations, NYSC.