Team Nigeria have once again stamped their authority on global youth football, winning the 2025 FC Bayern Youth Cup after defeating Team Rwanda in the final of the World Finals held at the Adi-Dassler-Sportplatz in Herzogenaurach, Germany, on October 16 and 17.
This triumph marks Nigeria’s third title in the prestigious youth tournament, having also won in 2022 and 2023, a testament to the consistency and development efforts of the VOE Foundation, which continues to nurture some of Africa’s finest young footballers.
A Showcase of Global Talent
The FC Bayern Youth Cup, a cornerstone of the FC Bayern Pathway, featured teams from Argentina, Canada, China, Rwanda, Japan, Germany, Nigeria, and the USA all competing to impress scouts and showcase their talents on one of Europe’s biggest youth stages.
Club scouts at the FC Bayern Campus also presented individual awards:
- Ryuto Ono (Japan) – Most Valuable Player (MVP), earning a spot in the 2026 World Squad.
- Alfa Nsengumureyi (Rwanda) – Best Goalkeeper.
- Hiro Yokoyama (Japan)—Top Scorer with five goals.
Each participant was assessed and added to an international scouting pool for future opportunities within the FC Bayern Pathway projects.
Beyond the Pitch
After the tournament, the young players were treated to a memorable experience attending the Bundesliga clash between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena, witnessing top-level football up close.
The 2025 edition also made history as the first-ever World Finals streamed live via the @fcbayernpathway Instagram channel, providing fans around the world with behind-the-scenes access and real-time coverage.
Nigeria’s Youth Legacy Grows
With this latest triumph, Nigeria continues to cement its status as a powerhouse in youth football. The FC Bayern Youth Cup has become an important platform for identifying the next generation of football stars, and for Nigeria, it’s another proud moment that underlines the nation’s growing influence in global football development.
