Rivers United, who finished second in the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League, will face Plateau United in the first match of the 2026 NPFL Invitational Preseason Tournament in Jos today.
The tournament draw was announced yesterday, with the five-day event scheduled for August 19 to 23 at the New Jos City Stadium in Plateau State.
Six teams will take part in the competition, which will serve as an important build-up to the 2026/27 NPFL campaign and the forthcoming CAF inter-club competitions.
The participating sides will use the tournament to improve their fitness, evaluate both new arrivals and established squad members, and refine their tactical approach before the league season gets under way.
The event will also support the continental preparations of three of Nigeria’s four representatives, with Shooting Stars the only exception. They were excluded after indicating plans to combine first-team players with members of their academy.
The group phase is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, through Friday, August 21, and every team will play twice. The six clubs have been placed into two groups of three.
Group A: Rivers United, Plateau United and Rangers International.
Group B: El-Kanemi Warriors, Mighty Jets and Katsina United.
