Organisers of the annual South- East/South Preseason Football Tournament have confirmed this year’s edition will hold from August 20 to 27, 2019 at the Neros Stadium Nanka, Completesports.com reports.
The tournament, organisers further disclosed, will hold at the Neros Stadium, Nanka, Anambra State, after the chief executive officer of the edifice, Poly Emenike, gave his approval.
Last year, Abakaliki Stadium hosted the annual event won by Cynosure FC.
The inaugural edition was hosted by FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium in Nnewi.
Stephen Keshi Stadium was in the forefront for the hosting right but Chief Poly Emenike swiftly moved in to snatch the hosting right in his continued effort to bring top class football to the stadium which had previously hosted Nigeria’s U17s and U20s’ friendly games, as well as Anambra FA Cup finals.
“Chief Poly Emenike has approved Neros Stadium for the tournament,” organising committee spokesman confirmed.
“He gave out the pitch for the tournament without attaching any strings, and we are appreciative and grateful for his gesture.”
Chief Philip Udala, a top businessman equally agreed to lend his support for the tournament meant to prepare and put clubs from the two geo political zones in the great shape ahead of the 2019/2020 NPFL season which has been tentatively scheduled to kick off on September 22.
Chief Udala was also understood to have spoken to his business partner and CEO of Aspire Football Academy – the reigning champions of Anambra State FA Cup, to equally give support the tournament.
Abia Warriors, Rivers United and Heartland have indicated interest to participate in the tournament, while Warri Wolves and Delta Force have made inquiries over a possible enrollment.
Completesports.com’s checks reveal that NPFL title holders, Enyimba will not take part as a result of their CAF Champions League tight schedule.
Enyimba will on August 23 host Rahimo of Burkina Faso in the second leg of their 2019/2020 CAF Champions League Preliminary Round fixtures.
Another South-East giants, Rangers, are yet to declare participation as they study their CAF Confederation Cup First Round fixtures after they were drawn bye in the Preliminary Round games.
By Sab Osuji
