Defending champions, Bendel Insurance, is set to begin preparations for the 2024 Federation Cup as the Nigeria Football Federation has released the calendar for the next edition of Nigeria’s oldest competition, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
Bendel Insurance clinched the 2023 Federation Cup at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on June 21. Imade Osarenkhoe 41st minute spot kick was enough as the Benin Arsenal defeated Enugu Rangers International.
Next year’s tournament will commence with the registration of interested clubs from across the nation.
Starting on Tuesday, October 24, football associations in the 36 states of the federation, along with the Federal Capital Territory, will begin the registration process. Clubs who wishes to participate in the men’s competition will be required to pay a registration fee of N150,000, while those vying for the women’s title will pay N100,000 each.
Clubs are encouraged to complete their registrations during the one-month window to avoid late registration penalties. Latecomers will be charged N200,000 for the men’s competition and N120,000 for the women’s competition.
Following the registration period, state football associations will submit the completed players’ licenses to the Nigeria Football Federation for production, with a deadline set between December 1st and 8th, 2023.
Afterwards, the State competition is scheduled to kick off from January 20th to February 25th, 2024.
On February 26th, 2024, each state football association and the FCT FA will present the NFF with their two representatives who will go on to compete in the national competition.