2024 TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tourney Throws Up Juicy Oriental Derbies

..As 5 Eastern State Teams, Others Hit Abakaliki Aug 23

Flowing the history and caliber of teams that have entered for the 2024 TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tournament, it already promises very interesting Oriental derbies.

The preseason tournament which is in its 6th edition and has been of immense help to both NPFL and NNL sides ahead new league seasons will predominantly feature teams from the the Eastern states including; 

RANGERS INT'L FC ENUGU, ABIA WARRIORS FC UMUAHIA, HEARTLAND FC OWERRI, ENYIMBA INT'L FC ABA, APEX KRANE F  ASABA, SOLUTION BOYS FC AWKA, EBONYI ANGELES FC ABAKILIKI, COAL CITY FC ENUGU.

According to a hint disclosed to Infonews.com.ng by the LOC, the tournament which is powered by ex-international and Enyimba FC Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme will commence from Friday August 23rd to 30th, 2024 at the Abakiliki Township Stadium, Ebonyi State.

Fans in Ebonyi will certainly be served juicy Oriental derbies with encounters such as Rangers vs Enyimba, Heartland vs Abia Warriors, Ebonyi Angels vs Solution Boys among many others.

The last edition held at Uyo, Akwa Ibom state was won by Erasmus Onu led Abia Warriors after they defeated FC One Rocket in the final in penalties.

They will hope to defend the title under a new Gaffer, Imamma Amakakpabo who is on a second missionary journey while the likes of Enyimba under a new Gaffer, Yemi Olarewaju "Yema" will hope to get their hands on the title as they and Rangers continue to prepare for their continental engagements and the NPFL.

Other teams such new entrants Solution Boys of Anambra, resurgent Ebonyi Angels of Abakiliki and other NNL sides, Coal City FC, Apex Krane of Asaba will surely aim express their strength and ego in the rumble.