The 2024 edition of the 5Stars Premier League, a rapidly growing grassroots football initiative in Nigeria, has commenced with great anticipation and excitement.
Established to nurture and showcase local talent, the league has quickly become a beacon of hope and opportunity for young footballers across the nation.
Achievements and Overview
Since its inception, the 5Stars Premier League has played a crucial role in the development of grassroots football in Nigeria.
The league’s impact extends beyond the pitch, contributing to the socio-economic development of communities through sports.
Key Achievements:
1. Talent Development: The league has facilitated over 12 successful player transfers to international clubs, allowing players to pursue their dreams on a global stage.
These transfers are a testament to the quality of the talent being nurtured in the league.
Players from the 5Stars Premier League have gone on to play in professional leagues across Europe and other parts of the world, significantly raising the profile of Nigerian grassroots football.
2. Expansion: From its origins in Lagos and Abuja, the league has expanded to include teams from Delta, Ibadan, Kaduna, and Benin, reflecting its growing influence and reach.
This expansion signifies the league’s commitment to providing opportunities to young talents across different regions, ensuring that no talent goes unnoticed.
The inclusion of new regions each season demonstrates the league’s dynamic growth and adaptability.
3. Partnerships: Collaborations with entities like Sofascore for advanced data tracking and the appointment of social media influencer Ibrahim Bakare as a brand ambassador have enhanced the league’s profile and operational efficiency.
Sofascore’s involvement means that detailed statistics and performance metrics are now available for players, helping scouts and coaches make informed decisions.
Ibrahim Bakare, popularly known as Ibroking, brings a massive following and increased visibility to the league through his social media channels.
4. Community Impact: The league not only focuses on professional development but also runs junior and school leagues, fostering football skills among youth aged 12-18.
These junior leagues serve as feeder systems to the main league, ensuring a steady pipeline of talented players who are well-prepared for the rigors of competitive football.
Competition Format:
The sixth season of the 5-a-side league features 64 teams from four regions (Abuja, Lagos, Benin, and Kaduna), competing over four months.
The league follows a round-robin format, culminating in the finals on October 12, 2024.
Teams are awarded points based on match results, with the top teams progressing to the knockout stages.
The league’s format is designed to ensure maximum competitiveness and engagement, with every match carrying significant importance in the overall standings.
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At an unveiling event held at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, the 16 teams from the capital region were officially presented ahead of the tournament’s opening day in two weeks.
This grand event was attended by key stakeholders and dignitaries, highlighting the importance of the league in the Nigerian football landscape.
Olumide Aturu, Coordinator of the 5Stars Premier League, expressed his pride in the league’s achievements and its impact on Nigerian football:
“This is the sixth edition, and we are proud to say that we have done a lot in grassroots football in Nigeria as we have expanded our shores to Kaduna and Benin from previous expansions to Delta, Ibadan, Abuja, and Lagos.
The 5-a-side initiative is getting bigger and better. We have had over 12 successful transfers where players move to other countries to live their dreams. That is what we stand for – we believe this initiative can spark others and help Nigeria as a country, even helping our GDP to grow.”
The Nationwide Football League (NLO), which provides technical oversight for the 5-Stars Premier League, is optimistic about an even more successful season compared to previous years.
Olusola Ogunowo, NLO’s Chief Operating Officer, remarked: “They have been doing so much and have always improved from the previous seasons. So we believe this year will be better than previous seasons.
I am happy they have recorded this much, and we want to see them grow bigger than this.”
With an expanded national footprint and growing momentum, the 2024 5Stars Premier League is primed to further its impact on nurturing grassroots football talents across Nigeria.
Kick-off Game Review: Match Day 1
The highly anticipated kick-off of the 2024 5-Stars Premier League took place on June 15th, marking the beginning of a thrilling season. The opening day featured an array of competitive matches, showcasing the talent and determination of the participating teams.
Special Guests:
The opening ceremony was graced by several dignitaries and special guests who underscored the significance of the event. Among them were:
– Amb. Prof. Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, First Lady of Kwara State, Chairperson Governors’ Spouses Forum & Founder of Ajike Support Centre
– Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development
– Chief Adaralegbe Akintayo, MD/CEO and Gold Partner
– Dr. Kelechi Anyikude, Sports Blogger and Enthusiast
Their presence highlighted the importance of the league in promoting youth development and sports in Nigeria.
League Teams:
The 16 teams competing in this year’s league include:
1. TURF Arena FC
2. Tribelike FC
3. M-Tech FC
4. LEAD FC
5. ONE TOUCH FC
6. TRIPLE A FC
7. ENERGY FC
8. PLANET FUTSAL FC
9. Amaa FC
10. TBT FC
11. SAMBA FC
12. MESS UP FC
13. MAYHEM FC
14. GREENLOCK FC
15. WIRELESS FC
16. BOJMAN FC
Each team brings a unique style and strategy to the league, promising a season filled with thrilling football action.
