President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, officially unveiled the NFF President Preseason Tournament for clubs in the Nigerian National League (NNL) at the NFF Glass House in Abuja.
The competition, aimed at rejuvenating grassroots football, will provide a vibrant and competitive platform for second-division clubs to prepare for the season ahead.
At the unveiling ceremony, Gusau emphasized his commitment to supporting football development in Nigeria, especially at the grassroots level. He assured that he would be present at the tournament’s final match and promised to present a giant trophy as a symbol of his support for the event.
“This competition marks a new chapter in our efforts to reshape the future of Nigerian football,” Gusau said. “We are determined to provide our young talents with the exposure and opportunities they need to succeed.”
The NFF President Preseason Tournament is being championed by Babs Integrated Services in collaboration with the Kaduna State Football Association. The initiative seeks to create an engaging and competitive preseason environment for NNL clubs while also promoting football in Kaduna State and its surrounding communities.
Speaking on behalf of Babs Integrated Services, the CEO and former football star, Tijani Babangida MON, praised the NFF President for his proactive approach to rebranding Nigerian football. Babangida, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigerian Players Union (PFAN), expressed his confidence in the tournament’s success and pledged to make it an annual event. “We are excited to partner with the NFF and Kaduna State FA in this significant venture,” Babangida said. “Together, we will help elevate Nigerian football and ensure that this tournament grows in stature year after year.”
Hon. Magaji Alhasan, Chairman of the tournament’s organizing committee, also commended the NFF President, the CEO of Babs Integrated Services, and the Kaduna State FA for their collective efforts in organizing the event. He reassured stakeholders that the competition would be seamlessly executed, stating, “We’re committed to delivering an exciting and smooth tournament. See you all at the finals.”
The competition is set to kick off on November 12, 2024, and will run until November 20, 2024, at the renowned Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. It promises to bring together NNL clubs from across the country, offering them valuable match experience ahead of the new season.
With strong backing from the NFF, Babs Integrated Services, and the Kaduna State FA, the NFF President Preseason Tournament is poised to make a significant impact on the development of Nigerian football.
