The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL’s) 2016 ‘Super-Four’ pre-season tournament initially scheduled for January 9-11 will now hold on 18-20 this month at the 30,000 seater ultra-modern Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo, theeconomyng.com has learnt.
The National Stadium, Abuja and the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna were considered for hosting the competition before the League Management Company settled for the ‘Nest of Champions’ for its better facility.
Reigning league champions, Enyimba, runners up, Warri Wolves and Nasarawa United as well as Federation Cup holders, Akwa United will battle for the prize in the three-day pre-season championship.
The Super Four will also serve as test games for the teams who will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup which starts in February.
Nigeria U20 team, led by Manu Garba won the 2014 edition held at the National Stadium, Abuja.
The League Management Company (LMC), organizers of the competition, is yet to make categorical statement on the tournament, especially the shift in dates and venue as well as commencement of the 2016 NPFL season.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is said to have favoured January as kick-off date for the new season to enable clubs representing the country at the continental championships prepare well.
However, feelers from the league body indicates that the January kick-off may not be feasible due to logistics challenges facing the clubs and league rules compliance issues.
By Olisemeka Obeche