Nigerian youth groups recorded combined fortunes on the 76th version of the celebrated Viareggio Cup, with Mavlon FC and One Contact Soccer Academy advancing to the quarter-finals whereas Ojodu Metropolis FC and Magic Stars FC bowed out of the competitors.
The globally recognised youth match continues to supply a stage for rising abilities, and Nigerian academies as soon as once more left their mark throughout the group stage and knockout rounds.
Mavlon, One Contact Attain Final Eight
Nigeria’s Mavlon FC produced a powerful marketing campaign to advance into the knockout rounds. The group secured six factors from three group matches, together with a hard-fought 1–1 draw in opposition to Italian aspect Genoa CFC of their opening recreation.
One other Nigerian consultant, One Contact Soccer Academy from Abuja, additionally progressed after a powerful group-stage run.
The academy recorded notable victories together with an exciting 3–2 win over ASD Viareggio and a 2–1 triumph in opposition to Vis Pesaro to safe qualification for the knockout stage.
Each groups have now reached the quarter-finals, holding Nigeria’s hopes alive within the competitors.
Ojodu, Magic Stars Exit
Regardless of a shiny begin, Ojodu Metropolis FC couldn’t maintain their momentum within the match.
The Lagos-based aspect started their marketing campaign with a convincing 3–0 victory over Serbian giants Crimson Star Belgrade via objectives from Sulaiman, Aaron, and Abdullahi.
Nevertheless, they later suffered a slender 2–1 defeat to Croatian aspect HNK Rijeka, a end result that finally ended their run within the match.
Magic Stars FC additionally did not progress after struggling to safe the outcomes wanted in opposition to robust European opposition.
Nigerian Presence on the Match
Nigeria had a powerful illustration at this yr’s match, persevering with the nation’s rising affect in youth soccer following the historic triumph of Past Limits Academy in 2024 once they turned the primary African aspect to win the trophy.
Nevertheless, the participation of some Nigerian groups was disrupted earlier within the competitors resulting from visa challenges that prevented Enugu Rangers and two different sides from honouring their opening fixtures.
Quarter-Finals Fixtures (At a Look)
Fiorentina U18 vs Potey Keahson U18
Genoa U18 vs Pistoiese U18
Olympique Thiessois U18 vs AS Police U18
One Contact Soccer Academy U18 vs Athletic Palermo U18
