Six NPFL clubs are understood to be in line for the sixth season of the annual Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Pre-Season Football Tournament.
Although organizers have yet to reveal the names of the elite league clubs, checks reveal that Pride of Rivers, Rivers Utd, Enyimba, Akwa Utd, Abia Warriors, and Bendel Insurance are on the card for the pre-season football showpiece.
Similarly, no fewer than four Nigeria National League (NNL) sides will take part in the tournament.
Teams like Heartland, Vandrezzar, Edel, and Coal City Utd FC are expected to feature in the tournament.
Lagos, Ibadan, Owerri, and Aba are already jostling for the hosting rights.
Ifeanyi Ekwueme, a former Super Eagles winger and current Sporting Director of Enyimba FC, who is also a Tico/Select Sales Representative, confirmed interest from several top league and second-tier league clubs in the 2024 edition of the tournament but refused to reveal their identities.
"We're still talking; we haven't concluded yet. But we're getting positive responses," Ekwueme said. "I can say about six NPFL clubs are already excited and would take part. Also, about four NNL teams—this I'm sure of. But like I said, we're being professional about the whole thing, and as such, I won't be ready to mention their names until everything is sealed."
He also disclosed that no decision has yet been taken on which of the four cities bidding for the hosting rights will be selected.
"We're close to arriving at a decision on which of the four bidding cities will host this year's Tico/Select. But that will be sorted out in the coming days," Ekwueme added.
Abia Warriors are the defending champions of the annual Tico/Select Pre-Season Football Tournament.
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