Nigerian youth teams recorded mixed fortunes at the 76th edition of the prestigious Viareggio Cup, with Mavlon FC and One Touch Football Academy advancing to the quarter-finals while Ojodu City FC and Magic Stars FC bowed out of the competition.
The globally recognised youth tournament continues to provide a stage for emerging talents, and Nigerian academies once again left their mark during the group stage and knockout rounds.
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Mavlon, One Touch Reach Last Eight
Nigeria’s Mavlon FC produced an impressive campaign to advance into the knockout rounds. The team secured six points from three group matches, including a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Italian side Genoa CFC in their opening game.
Another Nigerian representative, One Touch Football Academy from Abuja, also progressed after an impressive group-stage run.
The academy recorded notable victories including a thrilling 3–2 win over ASD Viareggio and a 2–1 triumph against Vis Pesaro to secure qualification for the knockout stage.
Both teams have now reached the quarter-finals, keeping Nigeria’s hopes alive in the competition.
Ojodu, Magic Stars Exit
Despite a bright start, Ojodu City FC could not sustain their momentum in the tournament.
The Lagos-based side began their campaign with a convincing 3–0 victory over Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade through goals from Sulaiman, Aaron, and Abdullahi.
However, they later suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat to Croatian side HNK Rijeka, a result that eventually ended their run in the tournament.
Magic Stars FC also failed to progress after struggling to secure the results needed against strong European opposition.
Nigerian Presence at the Tournament
Nigeria had a strong representation at this year’s tournament, continuing the country’s growing influence in youth football following the historic triumph of Beyond Limits Academy in 2024 when they became the first African side to win the trophy.
However, the participation of some Nigerian teams was disrupted earlier in the competition due to visa challenges that prevented Enugu Rangers and two other sides from honouring their opening fixtures.
Quarter-Finals Fixtures (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 Lucchese U18
The quarter-finals are scheduled for March 19, with the semi-finals set for March 21 and the final taking place on March 23 in Italy.
With Mavlon FC and One Touch Football Academy still in contention, Nigerian fans will be hopeful that one of the teams can replicate the historic success achieved by Beyond Limits Academy in 2024.
