Federation Cup champions, Heartland, have started intense preparation ahead of the Super Four competion holding from January 5 to 9.
The competition, which traditionally involves the top four teams of a previous season, will not feature fourth-placed team, Enyimba, while Kano Pillars, Enugu Rangers and Lobi Stars join the Owerri club in the competition.
Top two teams of last season, Kano Pillars and Rangers, will be competing in the CAF Champions League, while Lobi Stars and Heartland will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Secretary of the Nigeria Premier League, Tunji Babalola, said on Tuesday that the competition is for the teams with continental engagement in 2013.
"It should be for the top four teams but since the league season has yet to start, we cannot organise it the normal way. We have to consider the teams competing in CAF competitions and prepare them. The friendly games among the teams may not be enough to prepare them for the CAF competitions," Babalola told our correspondent on the telephone.
He added, "Enyimba are aware of the programme so we don't expect any problem from anyone."
Heartland's media officer, Cajetan Nkwopara, confirmed that the Naze Millionaires had received the invite from the NPL and have started preparation for the competition.
He said, "The players are aware of what is before them even though they are in festive moods. We're seizing every opportunity to prepare for the continental challenge; the Super Four will be taken seriously."
