Ekwueme, TIco/Select Preseason Tourney: Heartland, Rangers, Kwara United Go To War In Enugu
By EPHRAIM NWOSU
The stage is set for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament as six top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), clubs have confirmed their readiness to participate in the third edition of the annual show piece.
Topping the list are Heartland, Enugu Rangers, Kwara United, Abia Warriors, Plateau United and Rivers United.
Others are second tier Nigerian league club, Apex Cranes FC of Agbor and reigning Nigeria Cup title holders, Bayelsa United, among others.
” Yes, it’s the biggest Preseason Tournament in Nigeria today and as such we are not leaving anything to chance to ensure that we maintain the standard we have set. The feedback from all the participating clubs and members of the organizing committee are extremely positive and we are looking forward to another exciting outing,” said Ekwueme who is the brand ambassador and sole representative of Tico/Select in Africa.
“The level of commitment, of dedication, of professionalism shown by everybody that is associated with this tournament is unique and I am glad about it.”
The ex Polonia Warsaw midfield trojan further stated that the aim of the upcoming Preseason tagged “Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select NPFL 2021 Preseason Tournament” was to help improve the quality of the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Said he:”This tournament is aimed at providing a platform for the clubs to knock their teams into shape ahead of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
“This is part of our plans to help prepare some of the teams for the usual tough challenges of the NPFL and it is our believe that this will definitely rub off on their performances by the time the new season starts.”
The tournament sponsored by the former Super Eagles midfielder in conjunction with famous Polish and Danish sportswear manufacturing firm Tico/Select will get underway on November 14 and will be expected to end on November 20 when the final will take place at the magnificent Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
It would be recalled that Rangers defeated Rivers United 2-0 to win the 2nd edition of the tournament.
