Nigerian side Mavlon FC U18 have been eliminated from the 2026 Viareggio Cup following a narrow Round of 16 defeat to HNK Rijeka Viareggio Team.
The encounter ended 1–1 in regulation time, but Mavlon fell short in the ensuing penalty shootout, losing 5–4 to bow out of the prestigious youth tournament.
Despite a resilient performance, the Nigerian youngsters could not replicate their previous deep run in the competition.
In contrast, compatriots One Touch Abuja delivered one of the standout performances of the Round of 16, thrashing SSD Athletic Club Palermo U18 9–0 in a dominant display to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Round of 16 Results (March 17, 2026)
Genoa CFC U18 1–2 US Pistoiese Viareggio Team
Westchester United F.C. U18 0–3 U.S. Sassuolo Calcio U18
HNK Rijeka Viareggio Team 1–1 (5–4 pens) Mavlon FC U18
Spezia Calcio U18 1–1 (5–4 pens) Lucchese 1905 U18
One Touch Abuja 9–0 SSD Athletic Club Palermo U18
ACF Fiorentina U18 1–1 (5–2 pens) Academy Potey Keahson FCF U18
AS Police U18 2–2 (5–2 pens) Club Olympic Thiessois Viareggio Team
Rappresentativa Serie D Viareggio Team 7–0 UYSS New York U18
Quarter-Final Fixtures (March 19, 2026)
U.S. Sassuolo Calcio U18 vs AS Police U18
Spezia Calcio U18 vs One Touch Abuja
Rappresentativa Serie D Viareggio Team vs HNK Rijeka Viareggio Team
ACF Fiorentina U18 vs US Pistoiese Viareggio Team
While Mavlon FC’s journey ends at the Round of 16, One Touch Abuja now carry Nigeria’s hopes into the last eight.
Their emphatic victory sends a strong message ahead of a challenging quarter-final clash against Spezia.
All eyes will be on One Touch Abuja to see if they can continue their remarkable run and push for continental youth glory.
