The 2026 NPFL Super Six Invitational Pre-Season Tournament has been designed primarily to prepare Nigeria’s clubs for their upcoming continental campaigns, according to NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi.
Speaking during the tournament’s technical meeting and draw in Jos, Owumi said the participating clubs competing in CAF competitions were specifically asked to bring the players registered for their continental campaigns to the pre-season tournament.
“The essence of this tournament is first of all to prepare our continental teams,” Owumi said.
According to the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, the decision is aimed at ensuring the clubs are physically prepared ahead of their CAF assignments.
“We told the clubs to bring the players they registered for CAF competitions to this pre-season tournament so they can be very fit,” he added.
Rangers International and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League, while El-Kanemi Warriors will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Owumi also highlighted the importance of Nigerian clubs performing well in continental competitions, pointing specifically to Rivers United’s contribution to Nigeria’s CAF coefficient.
“Rivers United’s performance in CAF competitions is the reason why our coefficient in CAF is still good and up there,” he said.
The NPFL Chief Operating Officer also expressed appreciation to Plateau State Governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, for helping make the tournament in Jos possible.
With the six-team competition bringing together some of Nigeria’s leading clubs, Owumi urged all participating teams to maintain discipline and professionalism throughout the tournament.
The tournament was initially expected to include Shooting Stars, but the club was dropped after arriving in Jos with its youth team to represent the club. Katsina United were subsequently brought in as their replacement.
Other NPFL officials were present at the technical meeting and draw ahead of the tournament, which begins in Jos on Wednesday, August 19.