The organisers of the Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament have introduced a new League Phase format for the 2026 edition in a major change to the structure of one of Nigeria's leading pre-season football competitions.
The 14th edition of the tournament will be held from 13 to 22 August 2026 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
Replacing the traditional group-stage format, the competition will now feature a single League Phase involving 10 clubs. Each team will play five matches against different opponents, with all points contributing to one overall league table.
At the end of the League Phase, the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners progressing to the final.
The organisers said the new format is aimed at increasing competitiveness, providing clubs with more meaningful fixtures and improving preparations for the 2026/27 football season.
Gold Cup General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen, said the decision reflects the organisers' commitment to improving the competition.
"The Gold Cup has always been about innovation and providing clubs with the best possible platform to prepare for a new season. Introducing the League Phase format is another important step in the tournament's growth," Shamsudeen said.
He added that every match would directly influence the league standings, creating a more competitive environment while giving players and coaches the opportunity to face a wider range of opponents.
Shamsudeen also said supporters can expect high-quality football throughout the tournament, with 10 clubs competing in five League Phase matches before the knockout rounds.
Since its inception, the Gold Cup has established itself as one of Nigeria's most respected pre-season tournaments, offering clubs quality preparation, promoting emerging talent and raising the standard of domestic football ahead of each new campaign.
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