Chairman of the Club owners Association of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Okey Kpalukwu (JP) has lauded the leadership of the NPFL as well as the organisers of the NPFL Youth League for the organisation of a fantastic competition.

Speaking exclusively to Sports journalist, Sammy Wejinya at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, upon return from Luanda, Angola where his Rivers United team defeated Acádemica do Lobito 3-2 in the CAF Confederation Cup, Chief Kpalukwu said the present development excites him.

He praised NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and the Chairman of the Youth League’s Organising Committee, High Chief Emeka Inyama for their respective roles in "moulding Nigeria's next generation of football stars" and the overall success of the competition.

"I'm quite excited at this project which will no doubt prove to have latent benefits for our footballers and in no small way, aid in moulding Nigeria's next generation of football stars.

"I want to use this opportunity to commend Hon. Elegbeleye and High Chief Inyama for the time and efforts they have invested in making this such a successful exercise."

Chief Kpalukwu concluded by voicing his sentiments on Rivers United's upcoming CAF Confederation Cup game against Ghanaian football club, Dreams FC.

"Rivers United carries the hopes of a Nation and we are not unaware of the responsibility thrust upon us.

"Everyone at Rivers United is moving in the same direction and our desire is to win convincingly against Dreams in Uyo on Sunday to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians," Chief Kpalukwu who is also a member of the NPFL board concluded.