The 2025 edition of the annual NFF President’s Pre-Season Football Tournament, tagged Gusau/Ahlan has been officially scheduled to take place in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State.
The Independent Mirror reports that in a statement issued by Lurwan Idris Malikawa, Media Coordinator of the pre-season tournament, confirmed that this year’s edition will be held in Lafia.
According to the Tournament Coordinator, Abuhuraira Dahiru, this year’s competition will run from July 27 to August 13, 2025.
He noted that the Nasarawa State Government, under the sports-inclined leadership of His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, will serve as the major host for this year’s edition.
A total of 16 teams drawn from both the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL) will participate in the tournament, with clubs selected from across the country.
The registration of participating teams is expected to conclude in the second week of July, according to the organizing committee.
Abuhuraira expressed appreciation to the Nasarawa State Football Association and the State Ministry of Youth and Sports for their unwavering support and collaboration towards ensuring the success of the event.
He urged all participating teams and stakeholders to cooperate with the organizing committee in delivering what promises to be the best edition of the tournament yet.
He further explained that the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament was established to honor the two prominent football administrators after whom the competition is named, in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the development of football in Nigeria and beyond.
In his words, “Let me state categorically that our committee will not relent in its commitment to fairness, transparency, and sportsmanship. We will continue to uphold the values that make this tournament a true celebration of football.”
Abuhuraira also revealed that the draw ceremony for the tournament will take place two days before kickoff, and that Governor Abdullahi Sule is expected to attend both the opening and closing ceremonies.
One of the highlights of the tournament will be the presentation of awards to individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the growth and continued success of the competition since its inception.
