Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Preseason Tourney To Test Run Enyimba - Heartland Oriental Derby In Abakaliki

It’s count down to the 6th edition of Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select preseason tournament scheduled to hold in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state and fans are in for a feel of the NPFL derbies.

This was revealed as the teams were grouped into two with lots of usual derbies including the anticipated 2024/25 NPFL opener between Heartland FC and Enyimba FC after rumours became strong the Naze Millionaires have inherited the position of Beyond Limit in the nations elite league.

The tournament powered by ex international, Ifeanyi Ekwueme will begin on Friday 23rd July 2024 at Abakaliki Township stadium.

Five teams from the premier League and five from the lower league will battle for honors in the one week tournament.

The participating teams are divided into two groups. Group A have Rangers, Abia Warriors, Apex Crane FC, Coal City FC and Kunkalifat FC.

Enyimba FC, Rivers United, Heartland FC, Ebonyi Angels FC and Solution FC are in Group B which will throw up the foreseen NPFL derby between the Naze Millionaires and the People's Elephant in Abakaliki before the real tie in Owerri later in September this year.

According to the organizers, the 23rd July date is sacrosanct.

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