UGHELLI, Delta State – Excellent Football Academy has confirmed its participation in the 8th Edition of the Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Preseason Tournament, billed for the last week of July 2026 across Enugu and Owerri.
The high-profile preseason competition will feature 10 teams drawn from across Nigeria’s football pyramid. According to the organisers, the lineup includes four Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, clubs, two Nigeria National League, NNL, sides, two Nigeria National League One, NLO, teams, and two football academies.
CEO of Excellent Football Academy, Mr. Onome James, disclosed in Ughelli that the Delta-based academy is eager to test itself against top-tier opposition.
“We are happy and looking forward to a good showing as we give more exposure to our players and also assess our work,” Mr. Onome stated.
Organisers said the tournament package will extend beyond matchdays. Every participating team will receive 10 branded T-shirts for officials and three Select match balls. Semi-finalists will also be provided with jerseys for the semi-final and final matches as compensation for their participation.
For the final, the champions will be awarded gold medals and a giant trophy, while the runners-up will receive 25 silver medals.
The structure of the competition is expected to serve dual purposes. NPFL clubs will use the fixtures as competitive build-up ahead of the new season, while NNL, NLO teams, and academies like Excellent FA will gain valuable exposure against higher-level opposition.
Preseason tournaments such as Tico/Select have become key fixtures in Nigeria’s football calendar. They provide essential match fitness, allow coaches to assess squad depth, and create a platform for young players to stake a claim before competitive action begins.
Full fixtures, venues, and kick-off dates are expected to be released by the organisers ahead of the last week of July.
Written by Mr Charles Mayuku
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