Viareggio Cup: Four Nigerian Academies advance to Round of 16

By Saheed Afolabi

Four Nigerian academy clubs have reached the Round of 16 of the Viareggio Cup holding in Italy following their impressive outings in the preliminary stage.

Beyond Limits, Ojodu City FC, Mavlon Academy and Alex Transfiguration have all reached the knockout stage after sweeping away their opponents in the group stage.

The Viareggio Cup have been a hunting ground for scouts to spot or pick enterprising and topnotch talented youngsters from different academies that came together for the age grade tournament.

Former Beyond Limits star, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro made his move to Inter Milan after his exploits at the Viareggio Cup two years ago and he has gone on to prove himself at the Italian giants.

In the round of 16 fixture for Nigeria club sides, Ojodu City FC will trade tackles with Westchester United (USA), Mavlon will take on Fiorentina (Italy).

Beyond Limits will face Avellino (Italy) and Rukh (Ukraine) will square up against Alex Transfiguration.

No Nigeria club have won the Viareggio Cup but only Alex Transfiguration have come close by reaching the final in 2022.