The inaugural NFF President Preseason Football Tournament wraps up today, with M&D FA facing Yobe Desert Stars FC in what promises to be an exciting finale at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. The competition, which began on November 12th, has been a significant step towards the development of football in Nigeria, under the leadership and vision of the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
The tournament received strong endorsement from Gusau, whose focus has been on advancing the sport in all areas, and has engaged both fans and host communities in Kaduna. The NFF further supported the initiative by providing match balls to all participating teams, adding a professional touch to the event.
Major sponsor Babs Integrated Services, under the leadership of ex-Nigerian international Tijani Babangida MON, also played a crucial role in making the competition a success. The event has been smoothly run, thanks to the distinguished chairmanship of Hon. Alhasan Magaji, Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
A total of six clubs from the Nigerian National League (NNL) participated in the inaugural edition: Gombe United, Yobe Desert Stars, Barau FC, FC Basira, Osun United, and Kada Warriors FC. Adamawa United, though initially set to compete, was forced to withdraw after an accident occurred while en route to the tournament.
Both finalists, M&D FA and Yobe Desert Stars, have had impressive campaigns. M&D FA, known for their resilience and grit, topped Group D with 7 points after winning two matches and drawing one against Kada Warriors FC. They advanced to the final after defeating FC Basira 1-0 in the quarterfinals, followed by a thrilling 6-5 penalty victory over Gombe United after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. M&D FA’s remarkable journey includes wins over three NNL sides—Barau FC, FC Basira, and Gombe United—earning them the “Giant Killers” tittle.
On the other hand, Yobe Desert Stars have been in dominant form, winning all three of their group-stage matches to top Group B with a perfect 9 points. They became the only team in the competition to finish the group stage with a 100% win record. Yobe Desert Stars then triumphed over Standard FC (1-0) in the quarterfinals and secured a 1-0 win over Osun United in the semifinals, conceding just one goal throughout the entire tournament.
With both teams undefeated and in top form, the final promises to be an exciting encounter between the underdogs, M&D FA, and the group-stage giants, Yobe Desert Stars. The match kicks off at 3:00 PM today.
This tournament has not only showcased exciting football but also played a vital role in revamping football in Kaduna State, highlighting the importance of grassroots football development and competition in Nigeria. It is a positive step toward the future of Nigerian football, with hopes for continued growth and more editions of the NFF President Preseason Football Tournament in the years to come.
