Six Nigerian clubs have gathered in Jos for the NPFL Pre-Season Invitational Tournament, a week-long competition designed to sharpen match fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of both the 2026/27 domestic season and Africa's inter-club campaigns.

Rangers International, Rivers United, and El-Kanemi Warriors — three of Nigeria's four representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions — are among the participants. The fourth qualifier, Shooting Stars, were excluded after the club indicated its intention to field a mixed squad of first-team and academy players.

Plateau United, Katsina United, and Mighty Jets of Jos complete the six-team field. Katsina United stepped in specifically to replace Shooting Stars after that decision.

Tournament structure and schedule

The competition runs from 19 to 23 August at the New Jos City Stadium in Plateau State, with draws released on Tuesday, 18 August. The six clubs are divided into two groups: Group A contains Rivers United, Plateau United, and Rangers International, while Group B features El-Kanemi Warriors, Mighty Jets, and Katsina United.

Rivers United and Plateau United opened the tournament on Wednesday, 19 August, in the competition's first fixture.

NPFL's rationale for the tournament

Prince Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, outlined the thinking behind the event on Tuesday.