Optima Energy Gold Cup Gets September 22 Kickoff Date

Optima Energy Gold Cup Gets September 22 Kickoff Date

Ibraheem Lateef Ayodele

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup say the 10th edition of the nation's prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues will kick off on Thursday, September 22 in Ikenne and Sagamu respectively.

Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator of the tourney told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media: "We want to use this medium to thank the over 30 different clubs, which cuts across the three tiers of our league that have taken part in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup (now Optima Energy Gold Cup).

" The tournament inception in 2012, has proven to be the best platform for teams to prepare themselves extensively against tough teams, to know their strengths, drawbacks and proffer solutions to them before going into the season.

"Also the Optima Energy Gold Cup over the years has been part of some club's success stories from former NPFL champions Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes, FC Ebedei and now Remo Stars.

" It's on record that one or two teams that participate in the yearly tourney either end up winning the NPFL title, qualify for the CAF inter-club tournament or gain promotion. 

"As we set the ball rolling for this year's edition, it promises to be an exciting one for the 10 teams that will be looking forward to taking part and indeed fans.

"All necessary arrangements and logistics have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free tourney as there will be much fanfare and activation.

"The tourney will be co-hosted respectively at the Remo Stars Stadium and FC Ebedei Stadium in Ikenne and Sagamu.

"Official correspondence (invitation letters) has been sent to intending clubs in the three tiers of our domestic leagues, Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO).

" Ten (10) teams are to participate in the 10-day soccer fiesta that will begin on Thursday, September 22 and climax on Independence Day, October 1, 2022.

"Teams will be grouped into two groups of A and B with five (5) teams each, and are expected to play four (4) group matches with two (2) teams with the highest number of points qualifying for the semi-finals.