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NPFL confirms six-team pre-season tournament in Jos
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will stage a six-team pre-season tournament at the New Jos Stadium from 18 to 23 August, bringing together four clubs expected to represent Nigeria in CAF competitions this season and two local wildcard entries.
Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors will take part in the competition alongside Plateau United and Mighty Jets.
The tournament has been arranged to give the participating teams competitive preparation before the start of the new domestic campaign and the forthcoming African club competitions. It will also provide an opportunity for coaches to evaluate their squads, introduce new signings and improve their players’ match sharpness.
The inclusion of Plateau United and Mighty Jets will provide a strong local presence at the event, while also adding further competition for the visiting sides with continental ambitions.
With four NPFL clubs expected to be involved in CAF competitions this season, the tournament is set to offer a demanding test across six days of action. Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors will be able to use the matches to assess their readiness for the challenges ahead, while Plateau United and Mighty Jets will seek to make the most of their wildcard places.
The event will be played at the New Jos Stadium, with matches scheduled between 18 and 23 August. The venue will host the sides as they continue their preparations for the new campaign.
For the participating coaches, the tournament will offer more than an opportunity to test their teams in competitive conditions. It will allow them to examine squad balance, consider the contribution of new arrivals and identify areas requiring further work before the domestic season begins.
The presence of multiple clubs targeting CAF competition is also expected to raise the standard of football throughout the tournament. Their involvement should ensure that the matches provide meaningful preparation rather than serving only as routine pre-season fixtures.
Further details about the competition’s group format, fixtures and kick-off times are expected to be announced by the league once organisational plans have been completed.
The six-team gathering in Jos will therefore serve as an important preparation platform for the clubs involved, particularly the four sides expected to combine domestic ambitions with African commitments this season. Plateau United and Mighty Jets will complete the line-up as the wildcard teams, adding local interest to the tournament.
