NPFL: Pre-season tournament will get clubs ready for CAF challenges – Owumi

Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Davidson Owumi, has said the pre-season tournament in Jos will provide Nigeria’s representatives in CAF club competitions with an ideal opportunity to adequately prepare for their continental campaigns.

League champions Rangers International, runners-up Rivers United, and President Federation Cup winners El-Kanemi Warriors are among the teams participating in the pre-season tournament in Jos.

The competition also features two wildcard teams from the host state, Plateau United and Mighty Jets, while Katsina United received a late invitation to replace Shooting Stars.

“Considering that our season would be commencing a few days before 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 was quoted as saying by the NPFL media.

The 2026/27 NPFL season will kick off on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Defending champions, Rangers will take on Katsina United in the opening fixture of the season.