Enyimba, Pillars, Lobi, join battle for Gold Cup trophy in Ijebu-Ode

Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) giants, Enyimba of Aba, Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars have thrown their hats into the rings in the battle for the 2016 Gold Cup.

The Gold Cup is a pre-season tournament featuring clubs from the three divisions in the Nigerian league. The 2016 edition of the competition will hold at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, from November 25 to December 4.

Last year’s finalists, Kano Pillars and Supreme Court, will engage eight other clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) in the 10-Day soccer fiesta.

Also to feature in the competition are Niger Tornadoes of Minna, MFM FC of Lagos, Sunshine Stars of Akure, FC Ebedei of Sagamu, Remo Stars and Crown FC of Ogbomosho.

According to the General Coordinator of the tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen, the 10 teams have been grouped into pool A and B.

Group A has Kano Pillars, FC Ebedei, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes and Sunshine Stars, while Group B will feature Enyimba FC, Crown FC, Lobi Stars, Supreme Court and Remo Stars.

He disclosed that the teams would play four group matches with the first two teams with highest number of points qualifying for the semifinals.