Gold Cup seeks NFF technical support

By Esther Egbe

Poised to add premium value on its pre-season tourney which kicks on Thursday November 15, in Ado Ekiti, the Gold Cup has requested for Technical Support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

This will be first of its kind by any football tourney organisers in Nigeria.

National Daily learnt , the General Coordinator of the pre-season tournament requested for the services of Siji Lagunju from the NFF Technical Department.

“The Gold Cup tournament which is in it’s 6th season has been adding value to participating teams.

This has been confirmed by huge milestones recorded by teams with reference to the last edition where the two finalists, Lobi Stars of Makurdi were crowned NPFL champions while Kano Pillars made it to the final of the AiteoCup in the 2017/18 season.

“After coming this far, we didn’t want a situation were the Gold Cup Tourney will only serve as a platform for teams to prepare for the new season, rather wanted all round development for every participating players and coaches, hence the need for an expert like Lagunju, a former assistant coach of the Home Based Super Eagles.

“The revered coach and Instructor; will during the 10-days soccer fiesta be on ground to evaluate, analyze the strength and weakness of the 10 teams, school them and proffer solutions to the lapses spotted.

“The long run effect of these to team would mean Lobi Stars and other participating teams; go into the CAF Champions League and new season which kicksoff in December, with a mind set of getting positive results on the road.

“This we know it’s most difficult, so we must change that mentally in our league,” Shamsudeen stressed.

The Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament is sponsored by distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF), and proudly supported by Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee Member, Alhaji  Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, foremost betting company, Bet9ja, Nigeria leading sportswear firm, ‘Owu’, Play Sportswear, Ekiti State Football Association, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Sportspro, New-Bell Global Investment, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports and Vomoz Mobile.