Defending champions Beyond Limits will begin their title defence against ASVO FC of Benin Republic, as the match ignites the 12th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup pre-season tournament in Ikenne and Sagamu.
Both Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne and that of FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu will quake as from Thursday August 15 with football fireworks from interesting fixtures in Group A and B released on Tuesday by the organisers of the nation’s prestigious pre-season tourney.
Six other teams Shooting Stars, newly-promoted Ikorodu City, Osun United and FC Ebedei in Group B with the duo of Ijebu United and Kasam FC completing Group A, are set a for a contest against Beyond Limits.
The first game of MatchDay One is a tricky tie between debutants Kasam FC and the last edition runners up Ijebu United at the Remo Stars Stadium.
Opening day of Group B on Friday, August 16th, see FC Ebedei tackle Osun United in an 8am fixture. The organisers have saved the best for the last as it will be a Nigeria Premier Football League cracker Ikorodu City will lock horns with Shooting Stars at 3pm.
Tunde Shamsudeen, the tourney’s General Coordinator, told the Optima Energy Gold Cup media channel.
“The Optima Energy Gold Cup has become a sought-after off-season tourney for top clubs in the NPFL, NNL, and business oriented NLO teams want to be part of
“We are delighted that in the last 11 editions, teams have used the Optima Energy Gold Cup platform to build their squad of players, with a view to play expansive football and to entertain their fans during the season.
“Above all, we are proud to be success stories of the teams that have participated in any of our editions, and have gone ahead to win the NPFL title- Kano Pillars in 2016, qualified for the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup; gained promotion (defending champions- Beyond Limits) and talented players using the platform as a career pathway to the big leagues in Europe.
“The Optima Energy Gold Cup matches have always left fans at the edge of their seats, so interesting fixtures await them.
“Fans can livestream matches of their teams on our YouTube channel via their devices at their comfort zones and also keep on tab on their teams on the SofaScore App.”
