Top clubs qualify for N25 million prize Naija Super 8 tourney

Posted : 27 June 2023

As the battle for the July 7 Nigeria foremost Pre Season tournament, Naija Super 8 heats up, top Nigerian Professional Football Clubs, are already grabbing the qualification tickets to represent their respective zones.

The latest club to qualify for the money spinning tournament on Sunday was Rivers United that came through after a thrilling encounter with 2023 Federation Cup winners, Bendel Insurance.

Rivers United secured a 3-2 victory against Bendel Insurance after a brace from Liberia forward Albert Korvah, while Morice Chukwu added the third.

Bendel Insurance’s goals came through Dede Emekoyi and Okon Ini-Obong.

Remo Stars FC clinched the Southwest slot after they walloped Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan 3-0 in Eket.

Goals from Andy Okpe who scored the opener while Boniface Nwaeze nodded home the second in the first half of the match and Samuel Anakwe completing the run-over of the Oluyole Warriors.

For the North-central ticket, Lobi Stars of Makurdi got the better of City FC of Abuja 4-3 on penalties to emerge winners.

Also, the newly-crowned ninth-time champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International FC of Aba have booked a ticket for the football fiesta.

This came on the heels of a testy affairs Oriental battle against Heartland FC of Owerri, a match decided by a solitary goal from the People's Elephant's Murphy Ndukwe in the 25th minute.

The People’s Elephant had a chance to double their lead in the 39th minute, but fluffed their lines from close range while Heartland FC also pushed for the equaliser only to draw another fine save from Enyimba goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo in the 43rd minute.

Both teams cancelled each other out for most of the second half, as they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Heartland managed another shot on target in the 69th minute, which was repelled by Olorunleke.

Enyimba had a big opportunity to double their lead in the 87th minute, but Eriugo fired his shot wide.

Elsewhere in the North East battle, Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Yobe Desert Stars at Eket Township Stadium created an upset as they booked their ticket to the Naija Super 8 Play-off at the expense of NPFL side, Gombe United FC, a team they defeated by 2-1.

It was Yobe Stars' day as they dominated possession of the North-East derby with their crisp passing.

The Desert Stars drew a brilliant save from Gombe United goalkeeper with a long-range free kick in the 21st minute and hit the bar nine minutes later.

A 40th minute goal from Tony Elaigwu, however finally separated the contest.

The NPFL side pushed desperately for the equaliser, but their task became more difficult, after Sadiq Shuaibu was sent off in the 82nd minute.

The 10 men almost snatched a late equaliser, but were denied by a goal-line clearance.

However, the slot for the North West which was a fierce contest between Katsina United and Kano Pillars ended with a lone goal.

Katsina United was able to defeat Kano Pillars 1-0 to secure the North West ticket in the Naija Super 8 playoffs.

Samson Olasofo netted the winning goal six minutes from time.

Olasofo received a pass in the penalty box and slotted the ball beyond the Kano Pillars goalkeeper.

Rivers United representing South South, Remo Stars (South West), Lobi Stars (North Central), Yobe Desert Stars, (North East) Enyimba International FC (South East), and Katsina United (North West), have all booked a place in the Super 8 finals. They will be joined by two wildcard teams in Lagos.

Enyimba coach, Finidi George, on expectations from the Super 8 noted that the pre season tournament would be a different ball game.

“It’s going to be a different ball game. We know how to play those types of tournaments.”

The Naija Super 8 will be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, from July 7 to July 16.

The tournament is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian.

The overall winner will take home the N25 million prize money.

Top clubs qualify for N25 million prize Naija Super 8 tourney

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