21ST UGHELLI PRESEASON CUP 2026 SCHEDULE UNVEILED

Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria - The organizers of the 21st Ughelli Preseason Cup have announced the schedule for the upcoming tournament, which is set to take place from February 28th to March 5th, 2026.

According to the schedule, the preliminaries will kick off on Saturday, February 28th, and will run for three days, with matches played on February 28th, March 1st, and March 2nd. The intense matches will continue with the Semi-Finals taking place on Tuesday, March 3rd. The tournament will reach its climax with the FINAL match played on Wednesday, March 4th, and Thursday, March 5th is actually the final, so March 5th, 2026, is the correct final date.

The Ughelli Preseason Cup is a highly anticipated event in Nigerian football, and this year's edition promises to be one of the best yet, with top Nationwide League One and Two teams from across the country set to participate. The tournament provides a great opportunity for teams to fine-tune their skills and prepare for the upcoming NLO season.

The official draw for the tournament is expected to be held soon, with exact venues and participating teams to be announced. Football fans in Ughelli and beyond are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament, and are expecting a thrilling ride.

The Ughelli Preseason Cup highlights the passion and commitment of the tournament director Mr. Onone Ikrechero to promoting football development in the region.

(C) Ughelli Preseason Cup Media

UGHELLI PRESEASON CUP GETS OFFICIAL BALL FOR 2026 EDITION

Ughelli, Delta State - The 21st edition of the prestigious Ughelli Preseason Cup is set to kick off with Select balls as the official match ball, tournament director Mr. Onone Ikrechero announced today.

The Ughelli Preseason Cup, a premier preseason tournament in Nigeria, has consistently attracted top-notch teams from across the country, and this year's edition promises to be no different. With the official ball now confirmed, teams are gearing up for an exciting tournament.

"We are delighted to partner with Select balls for the 2026 edition of the Ughelli Preseason Cup," Mr. Ikrechero said. "Select balls have been a trusted brand in Nigerian football, and we believe they will add to the quality and excitement of the tournament."

The 21st edition of the Ughelli Preseason Cup is expected to feature top teams from Nationwide League 1 & 2. The tournament is a great opportunity for teams to fine-tune their skills and prepare for the upcoming NLO season.

The Ughelli Preseason Cup has a rich history of producing talented players who have gone on to make a mark in Nigerian football. The tournament is also known for its electrifying atmosphere, with passionate fans from across the region flocking to the stadium to cheer on their favorite teams.

The tournament is scheduled to hold from 1st-5th March 2026, with registration closing on February 10. Official fixtures will be released on February 15.

The official draw for the tournament is expected to be held soon, with exact venues to be announced. Football fans in Ughelli and beyond are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament, and with Select balls as the official match ball, they are expecting a thrilling ride.

The Ughelli Preseason Cup is a highlight of the football calendar in the region, showcasing the passion and commitment of the people of Ughelli and the surrounding communities to promoting football development. The tournament has become a major event on the Nigerian football calendar, and this year's edition is expected to be one of the best yet.

EXCELLENT FOOTBALL ACADEMY UNVEILS COACH IGHO ARIAGBOBE CURTISE AS HEAD COACH

Ughelli, Delta State - Excellent Football Academy has officially unveiled Coach Igho Ariagbobe Curtise as its new Head Coach, marking a significant milestone in the academy's pursuit of football excellence.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the academy's premises in Ughelli on Wednesday, was a brief but colourful affair, reflecting the excitement and optimism surrounding the appointment. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the CEO of Excellent Football Academy, Mr. Onome Ikrechero, who expressed confidence in Coach Igho's ability to lead the team to success.

"Coach Igho brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, and we are thrilled to have him on board," Mr. Ikrechero said. "His appointment is part of our strategy to build a strong team that will excel in Nigerian football."

In his acceptance speech, Coach Igho expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the appointment. "I am honoured to be part of the Excellent Football Academy family," he said. "I am excited to work with the talented young players and the dedicated coaching staff to achieve success and make a positive impact on Nigerian football."

Coach Igho, a Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) certified coach, holds a CAF D License and has signed a one-season contract with the academy for the 2026/2027 football season. His appointment is expected to boost the morale of the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Excellent Football Academy, based in Ughelli, Delta State, is one of the prominent football academies in Nigeria, known for developing talented young players. The academy's appointment of Coach Igho is seen as a significant step in its bid to achieve success in Nigerian football.

(C) Excellent Football Academy 

EXCELLENT FOOTBALL ACADEMY GETS NEW COACH

Highline Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) certified coach, Igho Ariagbobe Curtise, has been appointed as the new coach of Excellent Football Academy, Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria.

According to a statement, Coach Igho, a holder of a CAF D License, has signed a one-season contract with the academy for the 2026/2027 football season. The appointment is a significant development for the academy as it seeks to strengthen its presence in Nigerian football.

The CEO of Excellent Football Academy, Mr. Onome Ikrechero, expressed optimism about the appointment, citing Coach Igho's experience and expertise as a valuable asset to the team. "We are delighted to welcome Coach Igho to the Excellent Football Academy family," he said. "His appointment is part of our strategy to build a strong team that will excel in Nigerian football."

Coach Igho, a former Nigerian international, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His appointment is expected to boost the morale of the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Excellent Football Academy, based in Ughelli, Delta State, is one of the prominent football academies in Nigeria, known for developing talented young players. The academy's appointment of Coach Igho is seen as a significant step in its bid to achieve success in Nigerian football.

(C) EXCELLENT FA MEDIA