Nigeria’s 2026/27 CAF inter-club competition representatives—Rangers International, Rivers United, and El-Kanemi Warriors—are set to begin their pre-season preparations in a six-team NPFL Pre-Season Invitational Tournament starting Wednesday, 19 August 2026, at the New Jos City Stadium in Jos, Plateau State. The tournament, organized by the NPFL, runs from 19 to 23 August and aims to sharpen the fitness, cohesion, and tactical readiness of participating clubs ahead of both the domestic league season and continental fixtures. Plateau United, Katsina United, and Mighty Jets of Jos are also part of the competition, with Shooting Stars SC excluded after opting to field academy players alongside first-team stars.
The draws for the event were released on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, revealing two groups of three teams each. Group A features Rivers United, Plateau United, and Rangers International, while Group B includes El-Kanemi Warriors, Mighty Jets, and Katsina United. The opening match sees Rivers United face Plateau United on the tournament’s first day, setting the tone for a week of competitive football designed to simulate real match conditions.
Prince Davidson Owumi, Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, explained that the tournament was conceived to help clubs prepare effectively, given that the NPFL season will start just days before the CAF club competitions. “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,” he stated. He also expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government for hosting the event and urged all teams to use the platform to fine-tune their strategies and squad dynamics.
The NPFL Pre-Season Invitational Tournament is more than just a friendly fixture—it serves as a critical step in building team chemistry, testing new signings, and evaluating player form under pressure. For Rangers International, defending champions of the NPFL, the event offers a chance to maintain momentum ahead of their title defense. Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors, both aiming for strong continental performances, will look to build confidence through high-intensity matches against quality opposition.
With the 2026/27 NPFL season approaching, this invitational tournament marks an important phase in the preparation calendar for Nigeria’s top clubs. As teams battle for dominance in Jos, the focus remains on readiness for both domestic and continental challenges. The outcomes could shape early-season form and influence how these clubs approach their upcoming campaigns.
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