Davidson Owumi explains teams selection for Lagos NPFL Pre-Season Tournament

By Samuel Ahmadu

Head of Operations of the Interim Management Committee, IMC, Davidson Owumi has explained the motive behind the four-team selected to feature in the forthcoming NPFL Pre-Season tournament in Lagos.

The inaugural pre-season tournament sponsored by the Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation and packaged by Tingo media in collaboration with the NPFL organisers will see Enugu Rangers, Enyimba,  Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance.

Owumi, who oversaw Enugu Rangers’ historic domestic title triumph in 2015/16 season said sponsors who are ready to invest in the nation’s apex league and sought four traditional side as a prelude before an expansion next season.

“It wasn’t our personal decision to select only four teams  to take part in the four teams NPFL Pre-Season tournament,” The former Enugu Rangers General Manager said.

“Sponsors who are ready to invest in our league seek for only four traditional NPFL teams. At this point in time when our league is in dire need of sponsorship, we have no option rather than to agree with their proposal.”

“Kano Pillars FC could have been one of the clubs to play in the tournament but unfortunately, the team is no more in NPFL top-flight.

“This is the main reason why we have, Enyimba Rangers, 3SC, and Insurance in the NPFL Pre-Season tournament for a start.”

“This is a major boost to our league that has running for some years without sponsorship. The sponsors have also agreed to expand the  tournament to  eight teams next season.”

Owunmi also further disclosed that the IMC is working  in line with the vision of the  new NFF to  get more sponsors for the league.

“The IMC is working assiduously in line with the vision of the new NFF. Getting more sponsors for the league is our ultimate target and that is the vision of the new NFF administration,” he added.

The Pre-season tournament which will be an annual event in the NPFL calendar is sponsored by the Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation and packaged by Tingo media in collaboration with the NPFL organisers.

The  inaugural edition of the competition will be held at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos  from  the 1st – 4th of December, 2022. Winner of the inaugural edition take home N100 Million prize money.