Sixteen NLO Division 1 clubs from the North Central are expected to converge in Gwagwalada, Abuja for the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament for NLO Division 1 clubs.

Confirming this in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the Annual Unity Preseason Tournament Patrick Ngwaogu said this is geared towards ensuring that teams in the zone are adequately prepared for the NLO Division 1 season which begins in April 2024.

According to him, the tournament is being organized in conjunction with the representative of the North Central in the NLO Board Barrister Babatunde Akintade as a way to ensure that clubs from his zone are not found wanting when the League proper begins.

Ngwaogu further revealed that teams have been informed, and have been advised to signify their interest early enough as only limited spaces are available.

" It will interest you know that in FCT alone, over 18 teams are playing in that cadre of the League. Invitations have been extended to all of them, and it will be purely on first come, first serve. We have also extended invitations to other teams from the zone such as Ben Akwuegbu FC of Jos, Basira FC of Lafia, Flight FC of Gboko, Kogi Utd of Lokoja among others. It is going to be interesting".

Ngwaogu who was the former FCT FA Vice Chairman said the tournament has been fixed for 24 February to 4 March 2024 "since the NLO Division 1 League will begin in April, it will be a good opportunity for the teams to access their recruitments and make corrections before the League proper" he concluded.