The 2026 NPFL Super 6 invitational preseason tournament gets underway on Wednesday, August 19, with six clubs set to battle for honours at the New Jos Stadium in Plateau State.
The competition, organised by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with the backing of the Plateau State Government, is designed to provide top-flight clubs with competitive preparation ahead of the new league season.
Among the headline participants are NPFL champions Rangers International, last season’s runners-up Rivers United and Nigeria’s Federation Cup holders El-Kanemi Warriors.
The trio will face competition from hosts Plateau United, former Nigerian football giants Mighty Jets of Jos and Katsina United, who were brought into the tournament following the withdrawal of Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
The six teams were separated into two groups during the tournament’s draw ceremony held at Crispan Hotels in Jos.
The group-stage campaign will determine the four clubs that progress to the knockout phase, with the top two teams from each group securing semifinal places.
The winners of the semifinals will advance to the championship match, while the two losing semifinalists will meet in a third-place playoff.
The tournament is scheduled to run from August 19 to 23, with all fixtures taking place at the New Jos Stadium.
However, the NPFL organisers are yet to announce the prize money for the eventual champions or disclose the participation fees for the invited clubs.
The competition will provide an important test for the participating sides as they fine-tune their squads, assess new signings and work on their tactical preparations before the commencement of the 2026/27 NPFL season.
Rangers will enter the tournament with the confidence of defending league champions, while Rivers United will be looking to use the competition to build momentum after finishing second last season.
El-Kanemi Warriors will also be keen to demonstrate their readiness for another demanding campaign after their success in the Federation Cup.
For the Plateau-based teams, the tournament represents an opportunity to compete against some of the country’s leading clubs on home soil, with Plateau United and Mighty Jets expected to attract strong local support.
Opening Fixtures
The tournament begins on Wednesday with Rivers United taking on Plateau United at 2pm, before El-Kanemi Warriors face Mighty Jets in the second match at 4pm.
Thursday’s programme will see Katsina United meet El-Kanemi Warriors at 2pm, while Rangers International and Rivers United clash at 4pm.
The group-stage action concludes on Friday, when Plateau United face Rangers at 2pm and Mighty Jets take on Katsina United at 4pm.
With several established NPFL sides involved, the Jos tournament is expected to offer an early indication of the form and preparedness of some of the country’s leading clubs ahead of the new domestic season.
The Super 6 will also give coaches the opportunity to test their tactical systems under competitive conditions while giving players a platform to stake their claims for places in their respective squads.
2026 NPFL Super 6 Fixtures
Wednesday, August 19
Rivers United vs Plateau United — 2pm
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Mighty Jets — 4pm
Thursday, August 20
Katsina United vs El-Kanemi Warriors — 2pm
Rangers International vs Rivers United — 4pm
Friday, August 21
Plateau United vs Rangers International — 2pm
Mighty Jets vs Katsina United — 4pm
The semifinals, third-place playoff and final will follow after the completion of the group-stage fixtures, with the tournament concluding on August 23.
