Flight Football Club of Gboko, Benue State, has indicated interest in participating in the 8th Edition of the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/Select Preseason Tournament, organizers have confirmed.
The development is being described as a welcome addition to the July showpiece, which will hold in the last week of July 2026.
The tournament will feature 10 teams drawn from across Nigeria’s football structure: two football academies, two Nigeria National League One [NLO] teams, two Nigeria National League [NNL] sides, and four Nigeria Premier Football League clubs. Flight FC’s entry from Gboko adds a new state to the competition’s reach.
Organizers said every participating team will receive 10 branded T-shirts for officials and 3 Select match balls. Semi-finalists will also be kitted with jerseys for the semi-final and final matches as compensation for participation.
The champions will take home gold medals and a giant trophy, while the runners-up will receive 25 silver medals.
Preseason tournaments like TICO/Select are now key build-up platforms in Nigeria. They give NPFL and NNL clubs match fitness ahead of the new season, while offering NLO teams and academies exposure against higher-level opposition.
Full fixtures, venues, and kickoff dates are expected to be announced ahead of the tournament’s kickoff in July’s final week.
