NPFL Pre-Season Invitational Tournament brings six clubs to Jos

The NPFL Pre-Season Invitational Tournament begins on 19 August 2026 at the New Jos City Stadium, with six clubs using the competition to prepare for the new league campaign and CAF matches. The event runs until 23 August in Plateau State.

Rangers International, Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors are among the participating teams after being selected as Nigeria’s representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions. Their involvement gives the clubs competitive preparation before their continental schedules begin.

Plateau United, Katsina United and Mighty Jets of Jos complete the line-up. Katsina United entered the tournament in place of Shooting Stars, who were excluded after indicating that they intended to combine first-team players with academy players.

Rivers United and Plateau United are scheduled to open the tournament on Wednesday, 19 August. The fixtures were drawn on 18 August, one day before the opening match.

The league-organised event is intended to give the clubs match-time preparation before the 2026/27 NPFL season. It will also allow them to evaluate new and existing players, improve fitness and work on their tactical plans.

The tournament was arranged because the new league season is due to begin only a few days before the Nigerian clubs start their CAF campaigns. The NPFL and the Nigeria Football Federation agreed that a competitive pre-season programme would help the teams build cohesion and sharpen their preparations. Plateau State Government support helped secure Jos as the host venue.