In a highly anticipated event for football enthusiasts, the 11th Edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup is set to commence from August 11th to 19th.
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Organized as a preseason tournament for domestic league clubs, the championship promises an exhilarating clash of talent at the forefront of the Nigerian football scene.
This year’s edition will showcase a total of eight formidable teams, comprising three teams from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), three from the Nigerian National League (NNL), and the remaining two from the Nigerian Nationwide League One (NLO).
The tournament will be structured into two groups, each featuring four teams.
Group A, composed of Beyond Limit FA, Hammola FC, Ijebu United, and Sunshine Stars, is expected to deliver intense and thrilling matches. Meanwhile, Group B, which boasts the participation of FC Ebedei, Niger Tornadoes, Tradesafe FC, and Shooting Stars, is anticipated to provide its own share of football excitement.
The battle for supremacy will take place across two renowned venues: the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele, Sagamu.
Notably, this edition marks a significant shift as the defending champions, Remo Stars, will not grace the tournament due to their demanding schedule, particularly their upcoming CAF Champions League first leg match against Medeama FC.
Stepping into this void, Ijebu United is poised to make their debut appearance in the Optima Energy Gold Cup. The opening match of the tournament will see Ijebu United go head-to-head against Sunshine Stars.
The football community eagerly awaits this showdown, curious to witness the performance of the new entrants against the established powerhouses.
With the Optima Energy Gold Cup 2023 ready to kick off, all eyes are on the players as they aim to etch their names in history through unforgettable matches and remarkable feats.