The organizers of the Naija Super Eight finals have revealed the legendary former Super Eagles players who will serve as mentors for the eight participating teams. The highly anticipated tournament is scheduled to commence on July 7 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Enyimba, the reigning champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), will be guided by the experienced former Ajax winger, Tijani Babangida. Another team, Sporting Lagos, which received a wildcard entry, will benefit from the mentorship of Jonathan Akpoborie, the former VFL Wolfsburg striker.
The respected ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper from the 2002 World Cup squad, Ike Shorunmu, will assume the role of mentor for Akwa United, another team granted a wildcard entry. Lobi Stars, on the other hand, will receive guidance from Mutiu Adepoju, a former player who has contributed significantly to Nigerian football.
Remo Stars of Ikenne will have the privilege of being mentored by Julius Aghahowa, the former FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Wigan Athletic striker. Victor Ikpeba, the 1997 African Player of the Year, will provide mentorship to the impressive underdogs, Yobe Desert Stars. Katsina United, a team with a strong presence in the NPFL, will benefit from the guidance of Victor Ezeji, a legendary figure in Nigerian football. Lastly, Rivers United will receive valuable advice from former Super Eagles captain, Garba Lawal.
These mentors, appointed as honorary heads of their respective clubs, have been tasked with motivating, advising, and supporting their teams throughout the tournament. The Naija Super Eight teams have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of Enyimba, Sporting Lagos, Remo Stars, and Katsina United, while Group B comprises Akwa United, Rivers United, Yobe Desert Stars, and Lobi Stars.
After the group stage matches, the top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, with the winners vying for a place in the grand finale. Each club will earn a handsome N3 million per match during the group stage, while the semifinalists will receive an additional N3 million for their qualification.
The runners-up of the tournament will be rewarded with N9 million, while the ultimate champions will take home a whopping N25 million. Football enthusiasts and fans across Nigeria can catch all the thrilling action live on SuperSport Football (DStv ch 205 & GOtv ch 61).
The Naija Super Eight tournament is a collaborative effort between Flykite Productions, MultiChoice Nigeria, and sponsors including MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi, and Custodian Assurance. With such strong support and the presence of Super Eagles legends as mentors, the Naija Super Eight promises to be a captivating and fiercely competitive event.
