NFF, NPFL Organise Preseason Tournament for Clubs Preparing for CAF Competitions
By Cynthia Okere, Lagos
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have organised a preseason tournament in Jos, Plateau State, to help Nigerian clubs preparing for continental competitions improve their fitness and match readiness.
The tournament is particularly targeted at clubs that will represent Nigeria in Confederation of African Football (CAF) club competitions, giving them competitive matches before the start of their continental campaigns.
NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Prince Davidson Owumi, said the initiative was jointly developed by the NFF and NPFL to complement the individual preparation programmes of the participating clubs.
According to Owumi, the timing of the new NPFL season, which begins shortly before the CAF club competitions, made it necessary to provide the teams with additional competitive matches.
“Considering that our season would be commencing a few days to the CAF Club matches, the NFF and NPFL resolved that it would benefit the clubs to have their players participate in a competitive tournament to further deepen their fitness and cohesion,” Owumi said.
The participating teams include NPFL champions Rangers International, runners-up Rivers United and Federation Cup winners El-Kanemi Warriors.
Plateau United and Mighty Jets were included as wildcard teams from the host state, while Katsina United received a late invitation to replace Shooting Stars.
Owumi explained that the tournament format was designed to ensure the clubs preparing for continental football play at least four competitive matches before the final.
He also acknowledged the support of the NFF and Plateau State Government in providing the platform, saying the tournament should help the teams improve their tactical organisation, player fitness and cohesion ahead of their continental assignments.
Rivers United, Plateau United, El-Kanemi Warriors and Mighty Jets featured on the opening matchday on Wednesday, while El-Kanemi Warriors were scheduled to face Katsina United and Rangers International take on Rivers United on Thursday.
The tournament will end with the final on Sunday, August 23, with all matches being played at the New Jos Township Stadium.
The competition also comes shortly before the commencement of the 2026/27 NPFL season. Current league fixtures show Rangers International and Rivers United among clubs scheduled to begin their domestic campaigns at the end of August.
For the Nigerian representatives, the preseason competition offers an opportunity to test players under competitive conditions and address weaknesses before facing continental opposition.